Artisanal Gold Mining in Mongolia: Silica Exposure and Silicosis Risk Factors-Field Survey

Background: Silicosis remains a critical occupational health challenge, particularly among artisanal and small-scale gold miners (ASGM). This study investigates the prevalence of silicosis and its associated risk factors, while assessing the levels of respirable dust and crystalline silica exposure in Mongolian artisanal miners. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 124 employees of the Tsagaan Tsakhir artisanal gold miners in Bayankhongor Province, Mongolia. Participants completed questionnaires and underwent medical exams, including spirometry and X-rays. Dust samples (n = 10) were collected during a working day, and the workplace was divided into underground exploration and outdoor grinding areas. Multivariate analysis evaluated risk factors for silicosis. Results: Underground quarrying (dry) showed the highest exposures (dust geometric mean (GM): 8.107 mg/m³; silica GM: 2.156 mg/m³), followed by grinding (dust GM: 1.374 mg/m³; silica GM: 0.555 mg/m³). Wet quarrying and packaging tasks had significantly lower levels. A total of 124 male participants (mean age 35.9, mean work years 5.7) were included. Twenty four participants (19.4%) had silicosis, with 58% having profusion 2 or higher. Multivariate analysis showed increased odds of silicosis with longer work years (OR = 2.6) and specific work positions (e.g., underground drilling: OR = 6.23). Conclusion: Artisanal gold miners in Mongolia face significant health risks due to high silica exposure and inadequate protective measures. Urgent interventions, including improved dust control and routine medical surveillance, are needed to mitigate silicosis risks in this vulnerable population.