O-57 Lived experiences of artisanal and small-scale gold mining in northern Nigeria: a photovoice study with global public health implications
Author(s):
BI Jibrin, D Parmar , A Dagaji , S Anderson , R Gobin , S Harding
Year of Presentation:
2026
Objective: To explore the lived experiences of artisanal and
small-scale gold miners in Niger State, Northern Nigeria,
and to contextualise these findings using evidence from
South America and West Africa within the wider global
Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) literature,
to inform public health policy.
Methods: A mixed-method photovoice study was conducted in Niger State, which lies along the schist belt. The level of mining operations categorised the state as a highly active ASGM state, stemming from high poverty, mineral wealth, and unstable traditional income sources. From the 46 mining sites in the state, Kwamapi, Maitumbi, Shakwata, and Tutungo were pragmatically identified. Participants were selected using purposive sampling based on their work schedules. Thirty-six miners voluntarily participated in the study, comprising 28 males and 8 females. An exploratory, participatory methodology employing an adapted Photovoice approach, where miners generated photographs of their working and living environments, with short captions for each image, was used. This method captured perspectives and experiences related to the adverse health and wellbeing impacts of ASGM and explored specific contexts, cultural values, and interpretations of situations relevant to their daily lives. The process took place across the sites at pre-determined intervals. Data were collected over five facilitated sessions (January–March 2025). Group dialogues were conducted using the SHOWeD process. Photographs, captions, and transcripts were analysed using an inductive, participatory thematic approach, supported by a theme-byimage matrix to enable within- and cross-site comparisons.
Results: From 108 photographs, 13 themes emerged, highlighting occupational hazards, mercury exposure, and environmental degradation, revealing precarious, poorly regulated conditions. Many themes closely mirrored those reported in South American ASGM contexts, while reflecting distinct locally embedded exposure pathways in Nigeria.
Conclusion: The study highlighted shared and contextspecific structural drivers of ASGM-related harms, underscoring the need for participatory, context-sensitive public health policies and interventions across diverse global mining settings.