“By nature, or say, lack of awareness, lack of protective clothing puts miners at risk. In our province, a significant concern for miners, particularly artisanal miners, is the lack of proper protective clothing. This increases their risk of contracting occupational diseases.

“Essential protective gear, often missing, includes dust masks to prevent silica dust inhalation. The miners also lack gloves to prevent hazardous material from making skin contact.

“They don’t use safety goggles to protect eyes from debris and dust. They normally don’t wear steel-toed boots to prevent foot injuries. At times, they don’t even have overalls or work suits to prevent skin exposure.

“Without proper protection, miners are more likely to contract silicosis from inhaling silica dust. They are at risk of tuberculosis (TB) from inhaling TB bacteria. HIV, mainly through unprotected sexual exposure to infected bodily fluids.

“Artisanal miners are especially vulnerable due to their informal work arrangements and limited access to resources. They hardly have time outside work."