Dar es Salaam, July 28 -- DESPITE the scarcity of safety gear in Tanzanias artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector, those who do have access to it often treat it more like decoration than a lifesaving necessity.

It is a perplexing paradox, because miners insist on mining, but not on surviving. Take this gem from Mr Richollins Kweka, a participant in the recent Empowering Women in Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM): Inclusive, Safe and Sustainable Mining Solutions workshop in Dodoma.

He recounted, “You might find someone crushing a gold stone in heavy dust with the mask on their forehead instead of covering the nose and mouth.” Apparently, the gear works best as a fashion statement. And if that is not enough, “...