Environmental Awareness and Health Assessment in Artisanal and Smallscale Gold Mining of Sibutad, Zambaonga del Norte: A Case Study

Abstract

Mining is considered as a complex and energy intensive industry as seen by the global insurance market. The complexity of the industry from the insurers’ perspective is based on the broad scope of loss potential or health risk. In this study the researchers determined the environmental awareness and health assessment in artisanal and small-scale gold mining in Libay, Sibutad, Zamboanga del Norte. The result revealed that majority of the miners and ball mill operators were not totally aware of the health risks due to prolonged mercury exposure. It seems that most of the methods used by ball mill operators are hazardous to both the worker and the environment. Thus, there is a need to regulate the small-scale mining activities which may include licensing/registration and strict compliance of safety measure to small-scale mining.  Miners and ball mill operators should be encouraged to submit themselves for blood sampling for mercury analysis