Noise Exposure to Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mines in Western and Nyanza Regions in Kenya

Abstract

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASSGM) has experienced rapid growth due to the mineral’s value in western and Nyanza regions of Kenya. Poverty levels have also forced the people to engage in mining activities as a source of income. Artisanal mining carries hazardous risks from machinery and tools used for blasting, crushing and milling processes of rocks. The aim of this study was to investigate the levels of exposure to occupational noise in artisanal and small-scale gold mines in Western and Nyanza Regions of Kenya. A sample two hundred and sixty (260) miners and non-miners was selected for the study. The non-miners acted as the control and were selected from same geological location but away from artisanal mining activities. The study adopted purposive sampling technique for selecting sites and a walk-through survey to identify noise emitting sources and processes. Exposure to noise levels was measured using an Integrating sound level meter (LA220) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS-GARMIN model) used to find the exact location of sites. Results indicated that there was high exposure to noise which ranged from 72±9.9 to 113.5±9.9 dB (A); with time weighted average for 8-hrs of 92.8±20.8 dB (A) whereas the control site ranged from 42.0± 2.8 to 73.2± 2.8 dB (A) with time weighted average for 8-hrs of 58.32± 9.5 dB (A). The average noise levels above acceptable limits of 90dB (A) were recorded as follows; Rosterman (13%), Ikolomani (18%), Masara (21%) and Francis (16%) whereas noise levels within acceptable limits were recorded in control areas being below the limit set. In conclusion, the mining community is at a high risk of exposure to high levels of occupational noise. Study recommends that the mine owners/county government to give priority to developing hearing conservation guidelines to miners. The central government should also come up with guidelines on occupational safety and health in artisanal gold mining to facilitate compliance with OSHA act requirements in the sector and offer effective participative training. Key words: Artisanal and small-scale gold mining, Occupation Noise, mining safety, miner’s health