Beneath The Golden Veil: The Hidden Struggles Of Kitere’s Miners
Goldminers at Kitere gold mining area washing some sand to get gold
By: Carolove Oyola
Worth Noting:
- Yes! Many of our colleagues have died in these pits. But that does not mean that we stop work. The game must continue at whatever cost since our stomachs also do not stop receiving food and our demands for basic things do not cease at any point,” says a male miner Joseph who has been mining for the past 8 years.
- In recent years, concerns have been growing over the health risks faced by people living around gold mining areas. Research has shown that these individuals are at a higher risk of developing a range of serious illnesses due to exposure to toxic substances like mercury and cyanide, which are commonly used in the gold extraction process.
In the lands of Kitere, Migori County, a silent battle rages beneath the surface alongside the pursuit of gold. Beyond the glimmering promise of wealth lies a stark reality. The toll of disease and hardship on the miners who toil tirelessly in search of fortune.
The miners of Kitere are no strangers to adversity. From the moment they set foot in the mines, they are confronted with a myriad of health hazards, ranging from respiratory illnesses caused by constant exposure to dust and fumes, to debilitating musculoskeletal injuries resulting from strenuous labor. The harsh working conditions, coupled with limited access to proper healthcare facilities, leave miners vulnerable to a host of ailments, with little recourse for relief.
The most unfortunate part is that most of the mining areas are not owned by the locals but are instead leased out to some foreigners who have owned most of the places hence the locals are forced to be nothing but miners who work under unfavourable conditions without the maximum protection required..
Yes! Many of our colleagues have died in these pits. But that does not mean that we stop work. The game must continue at whatever cost since our stomachs also do not stop receiving food and our demands for basic things do not cease at any point,” says a male miner Joseph who has been mining for the past 8 years.
In recent years, concerns have been growing over the health risks faced by people living around gold mining areas. Research has shown that these individuals are at a higher risk of developing a range of serious illnesses due to exposure to toxic substances like mercury and cyanide, which are commonly used in the gold extraction process.
Getting an opportunity to talk to the former health minister, Migori county,Mr Nyamita who happens to be a resident in kitere, he says that people living in close proximity to gold mining operations are at a higher risk of contracting diseases like cancer, respiratory illnesses, and neurological disorders. These health risks are caused by exposure to toxic chemicals that are used in the extraction process and can leach into the environment, contaminating the air, water, and soil.
One of the most pervasive health challenges facing miners in Kitere is mercury poisoning, a consequence of the widespread use of mercury in the extraction process. As miners crush and grind the ore in search of gold, mercury is often added to the mixture to separate the gold from the surrounding rock. However, the toxic fumes released during this process can have devastating effects on the health of miners and their families, leading to neurological damage, kidney failure, and even death.
Cyanide is another hazardous chemical used in gold mining. It can cause severe respiratory problems, as well as skin and eye irritation. Exposure to cyanide can also lead to long-term health problems, such as heart disease, neurological disorders, and cancer.
In many cases, people living around gold mining areas are not aware of the health risks they face. They may not have access to information about the toxic chemicals used in the mining process, and may not have the resources to protect themselves and their families from exposure.
The miners have to suffer in silence with these diseases for all they want is to get money to feed their families in which at some point they end up using the money in treating the diseases they contract while mining and that gives a reason as to why however how much money they get,they do not have a chance to improve their livelihoods.For them, the risks are a part of daily life, a sacrifice made in pursuit of a dream that remains just out of reach. Yet, amidst the darkness, there are glimmers of hope – grassroots initiatives aimed at raising awareness about the health risks of mining, and advocating for safer working conditions.
As the sun sets over the hills of Kitere, the miners return to their homes, weary but unbowed. Theirs is a story of resilience in the face of adversity, of courage in the midst of uncertainty. Though the road ahead may be fraught with challenges, they remain steadfast in their determination to carve out a brighter future for themselves and their community. For in the heart of Kitere, amidst the trials and tribulations of gold mining, the human spirit endures.
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