Silicosis, persistent pneumothorax, and respiratory failure: Grim consequences of galamsey

Abstract

Illegal small-scale gold mining (galamsey) is often plagued with a deleterious working environment and a lack of proper safety protocols. In this case report, a 32-year-old male galamsey miner presented with progressive shortness of breath, cough, chest pain and weight  loss. He was suspected of having silicosis and persistent pneumothorax. Surgery could not be done due to the poor state of the lungs.  Despite immediate medical intervention, including chest tube insertion, the patient’s condition deteriorated rapidly, and he succumbed  to respiratory failure. This case report is highly representative of the medical condition of many galamsey workers. There is an urgent  need for intensified safety measures, regulatory enforcement, and improved healthcare access. Concerted efforts of various stakeholder  collaborations are key to creating a safer and more sustainable mining industry.