In the race for mineral-led development, who pays the ultimate price?
 

Author:

B Kengni
 

Summary:

This article examines the regulatory framework governing health and safety in Niger's mining industry. The sector is central to the country’s economic development and subject to substantial investment despite ongoing political instability. It reviews the constitutional, mining, and labour codes that collectively aim to protect mine workers from occupational hazards, including exposure to radioactive materials and toxic chemicals, particularly in uranium mines. Despite the existence of these legal provisions, the article finds that their practical effectiveness is undermined by inadequate enforcement, limited funding, insufficient legal coverage of emerging risks, corruption, lack of political will, exclusion of workers from policy-making, and scarcity of occupational health resources. The article further highlights persistent health and safety violations, especially in artisanal and small-scale mining, with frequent accidents and occupational diseases. The article concludes that while Niger’s legal framework has the potential to safeguard miners, systemic flaws in implementation and governance have resulted in ongoing health and safety risks. This highlights the urgent need for reforms to ensure legal compliance, worker participation, and resource allocation for occupational health and safety in the mining sector.


Link to journal article