The Socio-Economic Impacts of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining in Developing Countries- Chapter 11- Women and Artisanal Mining: Gender Roles and the Road Ahead

Approximately 30% of the world’s artisanal miners are women who occupy a number of roles ranging from labour-intensive mining methods to the processing aspect of artisanal mining, including amalgamation with mercury in the case of gold extraction. As processing activities are often conducted in the home, women and their families can be at great risk from mercury poisoning and silicosis. In many cases, the roles of women in artisanal mining communities differ significantly from those of men, and extend well beyond direct participation in mining activities – this added facet brings with it different contributions and a completely unique set of risks and opportunities.