Occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica at an underground copper mine in Zambia.

This article focuses on assessing occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) at a large underground copper mine in Zambia, where overexposure to RCS is linked to silicosis and other respiratory diseases. Using personal exposure monitoring and analysis aligned with National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) methods and the BOHS-NVvA 2022 standard, the study found that 11.7% of samples exceeded the Republic of South Africa (RSA) time-weighted average occupational exposure limit (TWA-OEL) of 0.1 mg/m³ for RCS, with 11 out of 18 activity areas classified as overexposed. Despite a reduction in samples exceeding exposure limits since 2008, the mine lacks a formal RCS monitoring program, and miners often do not adhere consistently to respiratory protection guidelines. The study recommends implementing routine RCS monitoring, continuous occupational health and safety training, and adopting RSA exposure limits and standards to better protect miners, emphasizing the need for an accredited analytical laboratory in Zambia to support accurate exposure assessment.