Mining and its impact on the health of rural communities: the case of Mafuiane, Maputo, Mozambique

Abstract

This paper analyzes the impact of mining on the health of the communities of Mafuiane, located next to the Sulbrita quarry, in Maputo Province. The research was based on qualitative methodology, without neglecting quantification, using bibliographic and documentary research, the mathematical-statistical method, direct observation and surveys carried out among residents of the areas surrounding the quarry and its workers. 100 people were interviewed and chosen according to how long they had lived or worked in the quarry and, in this case, a minimum period of 5 years was established. The study results reveal that mining by the Sulbrita quarry harms the health, safety and well-being of the community at all stages of the mining process. Among the main diseases, respiratory infections stand out, with around 45% of those interviewed saying they suffered from illnesses such as coughs, asthma, tuberculosis and colds. These fieldwork data converge with the official data provided by the local health center, which according to him, 50% of the epidemiological situation in the study area is characterized by diseases of respiratory origin, with colds and coughs being the most prominent.