Filipina gold miners face low pay and grave health risks

Women in the Philippines’ gold mining industry face low pay and significant health risks. Despite performing the most dangerous tasks, they receive the least compensation.

One-third of the illegal gold mining workforce is female, and women are 90 times more likely to die on the job compared to men. Meggy Katigbak, an expert on small-scale gold mining, highlighted the invisibility of women in this sector.

The work is not only illegal but also poorly paid. In Paracale, a city rooted in colonial history, families have mined for centuries, dreaming of better fortunes. Christy Ortiz, a 44-year-old mother of seven, rises before dawn to mine gold from a homemade pit.

Ortiz and her husband practice compressor mining, a perilous method banned in 2012 due to its grave risks. Undeterred, they continue, relying on a compressor bought with years of savings.

Ortiz handles the above-ground tasks without protective gear, often forgetting to eat breakfast in her rush to the mine after sending her children to school. She uses simple tools to extract gold, earning anywhere from nothing to 1,000 pesos per day. On lean days, she supplements her income by selling charcoal.

Globally, 15 million women work in artisanal and small-scale gold mining, with 18,000 to 20,000 involved in the Philippines. Women face significant health risks and economic disparities. Cultural biases and gender discrimination hinder their access to top jobs and capital. A recent World Bank report highlights these challenges, noting women’s health and economic opportunities are disproportionately affected.

In Paracale, many families mix domestic chores with hazardous gold mining. A survey by the International Labour Organization found that 73% of women had handled mercury, posing severe health risks. Janice Galero, a former miner, still has high mercury levels in her blood years after quitting. Tests conducted in 2022 revealed widespread mercury contamination, but authorities chose not to release the results to avoid panic.

The United Nations Environment Programme identifies artisanal and small-scale gold mining as the largest user and emitter of mercury. Despite its dangers, mercury remains prevalent due to its cost-effectiveness. Galero, now a local mining association board member, aims to raise awareness about mercury’s risks and end illegal mining in her town.

In Sagada, cultural practices restrict women from mine tunnels during menstruation, yet they lead rituals for a successful mining season. Eliza, a respected elder, has worked in the sector since the 1980s but faces limitations due to her gender. She juggles multiple jobs to support her family. Leny Lieo, hired to sluice gold, earns less than the minimum wage and lacks health and social benefits.

Despite these challenges, some progress is being made. Activists see potential for female leadership in mining. Gloria Pilamon-Langbayan, a municipal gender officer, emphasizes the need for more women in leadership roles to combat discrimination.

The World Bank advocates for new laws to recognize women’s contributions and address the hazards they face. However, the largely illegal and unregulated nature of the sector complicates reform efforts. The “People’s Small-Scale Mining Act of 1991” limits small-scale mining to manual labour and bans heavy equipment. Despite the law, informal mining operations remain widespread in Paracale.

Vice Mayor Bernadette Asutilla acknowledges the gap between legal frameworks and on-the-ground realities. The resurgence of small-scale mining has increased women’s involvement and leadership roles. Shirley Suzara exemplifies this shift, working to ensure legal operations and promote gender equality in pay.

Katigbak notes that while progress is slow, women in the mining sector are beginning to find their voice. However, much work remains to achieve significant change.