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Abstract Background Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) accounts for more than 50% of national gold production, contributing to sustainable livelihood and economic development in Zimbabwe. However, ASGM in Zimbabwe involves semi-mechanisation and high-risk underground mining processes with compromised workplace practices. Methods Triangulation and method mixing were applied through cross-sectional survey; risk assessment; in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions. The Kadoma and Shurugwi mining towns were purposefully selected. The Kish Leslie formula was used to calculate a representative sample. Binary logistic regression analysis was applied for quantitative data. Qualitative data was coded and analysed through thematic analysis. Method mixing was applied during data collection and analysis. Results Numerous hazards and risks, lacking effective control measures and compromised protective measures, were confirmed. Mercury pollution, accidents, injuries, HIV, TB, malaria risk, as well as alcohol and drug use, were found. The odds of experiencing health and safety risks increased when exposed to underground mining, long working hours, workplace violence and equipment use. Informal practices such as mining activities within homesteads, underground mining near riverbanks and ASGM activities on agriculture sites were revealed. Disabling causal factors contributing to compromised workplace risk management included human, workplace, ASGM-related and contextual factors. Men were more vulnerable to injuries while women occupied peripheral roles. Proposed risk mitigation layers included formalisation, organisation of protective workplace practices and behaviour change. However, each mitigation layer was characterised by gaps and limitations. Conclusion ASGM in Zimbabwe is characterised by numerous hazards, compromised control measures, disabling causal factors, and shortcomings in risk mitigation.
Josephine Singo (Mon,) studied this question.