Abstract
Artisanal mining is basic mining characterized by manually intensive work methods
utilizing primitive or simple equipment conducted by individuals or small groups working
either illegally, or when legally sanctioned, exploiting deposits too small to constitute a
mineral resource. Artisanal mining in Rwanda and Burundi is further complicated in that
the mining techniques applied are often inadequate, with low productivity and poor
recoveries, workers are paid low wages, and owners are reluctant to reinvest in the
operations. A consequence to this vicious circle is that working conditions are often poor,
with miners operating under unsafe and/or unhealthy working conditions, with the
additional problem of mining in a manner that is detrimental to the environment.
Artisanal mining is commonly more dangerous than large-scale modern mining
operations. Artisanal operations are generally subsistence activities, with the miners
focusing more on immediate concerns than the long-term consequences of their activities.
When miners have no other source of income, they will usually find ways to evade controls
and carry on working. The introduction of machinery is expensive and is often far beyond
the reach of most artisanal miners, and therefore there is a general tendency for workers to
focus on labour-intensive and riskier mining methods.
This paper proposes the introduction of small-scale mechanization with labour-intensive
manual mining utilizing a bench mining approach in artisanal mines operating in
central Africa. From the 1950s to 1980s, bench mining was successfully conducted in
Burundi utilizing manual labour. In order to achieve a balance between job creation and
project economics, a combination of manual and mechanized mining is proposed. Manual
mining offers the benefit of local job creation, while providing good mining techniques
such as minimizing mining loses and dilution. Through the introduction of mechanized
loading and hauling, areas of high stripping ratios can be viably mined, thus increasing the
resources that can be exploited. The use of a loader and tractor-trailer arrangement is
proposed, thereby improving throughput, productivity, and workers safety, and reducing
the impact on the environment.