Health impacts
Understanding the health risks associated with dust exposure in the mining industry
Occupational lung diseases remain one of the most significant health challenges facing the South African mining industry. Prolonged exposure to respirable dust, particularly respirable crystalline silica, can result in irreversible and life-threatening diseases that affect mine workers’ quality of life, productivity and longevity.
Dust exposure occurs when fine particles are inhaled and deposited in the lungs during routine mining activities. The severity of health impacts depends on factors such as dust concentration, duration of exposure, particle size and the effectiveness of engineering and administrative control measures.
Occupational lung diseases associated with dust exposure
Exposure to airborne dust in mining environments is associated with several serious occupational lung diseases, including but not limited to the following:
- Silicosis – A progressive, irreversible lung disease caused by inhalation of respirable crystalline silica dust, resulting in scarring of lung tissue and impaired breathing.
- Tuberculosis (TB) – Dust exposure, particularly in individuals with silicosis, significantly increases susceptibility to tuberculosis infection.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) – Long-term dust exposure can lead to chronic bronchitis and emphysema, causing persistent airflow limitation.
- Pneumoconiosis – A group of lung diseases caused by inhalation of mineral dusts, leading to lung inflammation and fibrosis.
Impact on workers and the industry
Occupational lung diseases have far-reaching consequences for affected workers, their families, employers and the broader mining industry. These impacts include reduced quality of life, increased morbidity and mortality, loss of income, and long-term healthcare requirements.
For the industry, dust-related diseases contribute to increased compensation claims, lost productivity, skills shortages and reputational risk. Addressing dust exposure is therefore not only a moral and legal obligation, but also a critical component of sustainable mining operations.
Prevention and control
Preventing occupational lung diseases requires a comprehensive approach that prioritises elimination and control of dust at source, supported by continuous monitoring and effective health surveillance.