New report examines health and safety challenges in artisanal and small-scale mining
Friday, 7 August 2026
A new international report funded by NEBOSH has highlighted the occupational health and safety challenges facing people working in the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector around the world.
Published by the Society of Occupational Medicine (SOM) and the International Occupational Medicine Society Collaborative (IOMSC), the report examines the health and safety risks experienced by ASM workers and the communities surrounding mining activities.
Artisanal and small-scale mining provides livelihoods for an estimated 100 million people worldwide. However, many workers face significant occupational health and safety risks, often with limited access to healthcare, training and appropriate protective measures.
The report draws on research undertaken in Brazil, Colombia, Uganda and Zimbabwe. It explores the key health and safety challenges affecting ASM workers and identifies opportunities to strengthen occupational health systems, improve prevention measures and inform future policy and practice.
The project forms part of a wider international collaboration focused on improving the health, safety, livelihoods and wellbeing of people working in, and living alongside, artisanal and small-scale mining operations.
The report aims to support policymakers, occupational health professionals, researchers, NGOs, mining organisations and others working to improve health and safety within the ASM sector.
Download the report: https://www.som.org.uk/sites/som.org.uk/files/OH_and_safety_concerns_ASM_report_July_2026.pdf