By Michael Gwarisa
A frail-looking Tinashe Chinove from Masimbaevanhu Village in Shurugwi sits quietly under the shade of a tree, gasping for air. Even from a few yards away, his labored breathing is evident. Each breath he takes is a painful reminder of the relentless toll silicosis has taken on his life.
At just 40 years old, Tinashe is battling a disease he contracted in 2022 while blasting and drilling rocks with a jackhammer deep in the artisanal mines. His health has deteriorated drastically, and he admits that he is now living day by day, hoping for divine intervention. Just days ago, he lost a close friend to the same disease.
I lost my close friend last week. His left lung was completely damaged. Because of my deteriorating health and the pain I endure daily, I just wonder when my time will come,” says a tearful Tinashe, bowing his head in an attempt to hide his emotions.
Silicosis is a chronic lung disease caused by inhaling large amounts of crystalline silica dust, typically over many years. Silica is naturally found in materials like stone, sand, and clay. Prolonged exposure to silica dust creates a fine particulate that can be easily inhaled, leading to irreversible lung damage. While there is no cure, treatments focus on slowing the progression of the disease and alleviating symptoms. Avoiding further exposure to silica and other irritants like cigarette smoke is critical.
“When I first fell sick in 2022, I was working as an artisanal miner in Mashava. I operated the jackhammer underground. Initially, I was diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB). However, after completing my TB treatment, my condition didn’t improve. I went back for further tests at Gweru General Hospital, where the doctor told me I had silicosis. He said there was nothing they could do but just wait,” recounts Tinashe.
The risk of silicosis is particularly high among miners in Zimbabwe, both in the formal and informal sectors. However, artisanal miners are more vulnerable due to the unsafe working conditions they endure. A study led by Professor Dingani Moyo on tuberculosis and silicosis in artisanal and small-scale gold miners highlighted that these miners operate in archaic conditions and are exposed to extremely high levels of silica dust.
“Even though we had some protective gear, it was not enough to shield us from silica dust. To protect ourselves, we would often resort to using a damp cloth or towel. But when the work underground got intense, we would sometimes use nothing at all,” adds Tinashe.
Silica dust exposure has been strongly linked to an increased risk of both tuberculosis and silicosis. Zimbabwe has an estimated 500,000 artisanal and small-scale miners, with over 1.5 million people relying on the sector for their livelihoods.
Tinashe’s life has been turned upside down by the disease. He can no longer provide for his family, and even basic activities like eating, walking, or talking have become daunting tasks. During the interview, Tinashe had to take two breaks to catch his breath before continuing.
“The most worrying thing is that many of my colleagues have either contracted silicosis or have already died. Unfortunately, by the time most of us seek medical attention, it’s too late,” Tinashe says.
In August this year, Tinashe’s condition worsened, requiring him to take medication to manage his symptoms. He still suffers from severe chest pain, shortness of breath, excessive sweating, and fatigue. However, as an unemployed father of two, the cost of medication is becoming unbearable. Most of the drugs he needs are only available in private pharmacies and cost between US$40 and US$50 per supply.
For artisanal miners like Tinashe, the absence of workplace protections, the lack of affordable healthcare, and the fatal nature of silicosis create a tragic reality—one in which the pursuit of survival in the mines ultimately claims the lives of those who work there.
The Burden of Silicosis in Zimbabwe: A Silent Epidemic
Data reveals that silicosis and tuberculosis (TB) among artisanal and small-scale miners (ASMs) are major public health issues in Zimbabwe, disproportionately affecting the youth. People aged 25–34 years exhibit a high prevalence of TB across the country. The Midlands Province, where artisanal mining activity is at its peak, has become a hotspot for new silicosis infections and fatalities. According to Kwekwe General Hospital records, all 28 patients admitted with silicosis between January and November 2024 succumbed to the disease.
Dr. Fungai Kavenga, Deputy Director of TB Prevention and Control at the Ministry of Health, stated that a comprehensive study was conducted to determine the actual burden of silicosis in Zimbabwe.
“A Safe Mining Audit was carried out involving multiple sectors, and we are awaiting the report. The core issue is exposure. Preventing exposure through safe mining practices or using protective equipment, such as ventilators, is critical,” said Dr. Kavenga.
However, he expressed concern over the informal nature of artisanal mining in Zimbabwe, which exacerbates the plight of miners by exposing them to unsafe working conditions and increasing their risk of silicosis.
A System Failing the Informal Artisanal Miner
In Zimbabwe, silicosis is a compensable disease for formally employed workers whose employers contribute to the National Social Security Authority’s (NSSA) compensation schemes. Unfortunately, most ASMs operate informally and are excluded from these schemes.
While many mining claim owners are registered, their workers are not, making them ineligible for compensation in cases of workplace injuries, illnesses, or deaths. This gap in insurance leads mining claim owners to neglect providing basic yet essential protective equipment like N95 face-masks.
Honourable Judith Tobaiwa, Kwekwe Central Member of Parliament and a member of the Portfolio Committee on Health, emphasized the need to formalize artisanal mining to protect workers.
“In my constituency, out of every five deaths reported, two or three are silicosis-related. Severe cases often require oxygen, but without a cure for silicosis, miners end up waiting to die at home. The high burden is a result of informal mining, where claim owners feel no obligation to offer protective clothing because no compensation is required even when miners fall sick or die,” she said.
Ongoing Interventions: A Glimmer of Hope
Efforts are underway to screen and treat silicosis and TB patients in artisanal mining communities. A consortium comprising the Jointed Hands Welfare Organisation (JHWO), The Union Zimbabwe Trust (UZT), Baines Occupational Health Services (BOHS), and HOSPAZ has been active in silicosis-prone areas, providing screening and early referrals for treatment.
Peter Dube, Programs Manager at JHWO, noted that lessons from their TB projects have informed their approach to addressing silicosis.
“We worked in eight districts across the country, focusing on artisanal miners who are particularly vulnerable to TB and silicosis. Recognizing the severity of the issue, we intensified community awareness not just in our project districts but nationwide,” said Dube.
He explained that miners inhale significant amounts of silica dust during operations, which contributes to silicosis. Once symptoms are detected, patients are referred to Baines Occupational Health Centre for screening. Many of these referrals are diagnosed with TB or silicosis.
