Economic Resilience and Pneumoconiosis in the Mozambican Mining Sector in the Technological Era
Keywords:
economic resilience, mining, mineral dust, pneumoconiosis, technological transformation.Abstract
The Mozambican mining sector has grown increasingly relevant to national economic development, although significant occupational health challenges persist, particularly exposure to mineral dust and the occurrence of pneumoconiosis. This study examined pneumoconiosis challenges in the context of economic resilience and technological transformation in the Mozambican mining sector, seeking to understand how occupational exposure conditions, socioeconomic factors, and preventive limitations influence miners’ health. Methodologically, the study adopted a quantitative, descriptive, and analytical cross-sectional approach conducted in Zambézia Province. The sample consisted of mine workers and residents living near mining areas, selected through convenience sampling. Data collection involved occupational exposure questionnaires, spirometry tests, digital chest radiography, direct observation, and documentary analysis. The results showed high occupational exposure to mineral dust, particularly in drilling, crushing, and mineral processing activities, associated with respiratory changes consistent with pneumoconiosis. The study also identified limited use of personal protective equipment, weaknesses in preventive mechanisms, and reduced implementation of modern occupational monitoring technologies. The findings demonstrate that the insufficient integration of economic growth, technological innovation, and occupational health protection compromises the human sustainability of the extractive sector. The study concludes that strengthening occupational safety and health policies, combined with intelligent monitoring and prevention technologies, is a strategic element for promoting economic resilience and sustainability in the Mozambican mining sector.
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