Mining Gold and Manufacturing Ignorance: Occupational Lung Disease and the Buying and Selling of Labour in Southern Africa

This book explores how South African gold mines have suppressed evidence of hazardous work practices and the risks associated with mining, compromising the health of black gold miners and ravaging communities and economies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 459 pages
Publication date: 21 March 2023
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

This comprehensive open-access book delves into a revealing examination of the practices employed by South African gold mines to systematically suppress evidence of hazardous work practices and the associated risks associated with mining operations. Throughout the majority of the twentieth century, South Africa held the prestigious title of being the world's largest gold producer, earning it a reputation for pioneering occupational health legislation. However, the mining companies in the country devised a complex system of medical surveillance and workers' compensation measures, which ultimately had detrimental effects on the health of black gold miners. This system not only compromised their well-being but also facilitated the spread of tuberculosis, causing widespread devastation in the communities and economies of labor-sending states.

The culmination of two decades of meticulous archival research, this book uncovers the intricate processes involved in the creation, contestation, and unraveling of the mining companies' ability to shape and corrupt medical knowledge. It sheds light on the strategies employed by these corporations to manipulate scientific evidence, suppress information, and undermine the health and safety of their workforce. Through a detailed analysis of historical documents, government reports, and personal accounts, the book provides a comprehensive account of the ways in which the mining industry has attempted to conceal the true extent of the risks associated with mining operations.

Moreover, it highlights the courageous individuals and organizations who have fought against these practices, advocating for the rights and well-being of miners and exposing the truth behind the industry's façade. The book serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of transparency, accountability, and the protection of workers' health and safety in the mining industry. It underscores the need for stricter regulations, greater oversight, and a commitment to ethical practices to ensure that the legacy of harm caused by past mining operations is not repeated in the future.

In conclusion, this open-access book offers a vital contribution to the understanding of the historical and ongoing challenges faced by South African gold miners and the broader mining industry. It sheds light on the systematic suppression of evidence of hazardous work practices and the risks associated with mining, providing a comprehensive account of the ways in which the mining industry has attempted to manipulate medical knowledge and undermine worker safety. By highlighting the courageous efforts of those who have fought against these practices, the book encourages a deeper examination of the industry's practices and promotes the necessary reforms to ensure a safer and healthier future for miners and their communities.

Weight: 744g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811983269
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023