Mining companies are strengthening their focus on mental health as the industry acknowledges the psychological toll of remote operations, long shifts, and high-risk environments. Increasingly, employers are adopting structured support systems to reduce stress and improve worker well-being.
The mining environment has long been associated with physical hazards, but mental health is now emerging as an equally critical issue. Industry research shows that miners face higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide risk compared to workers in other sectors. The nature of the work—often isolated, physically demanding, and far from family—adds pressure to workers already operating in high-stakes conditions.
A 2025 study in the South African Journal of Psychiatry surveyed nearly 930 mining employees across multiple provinces and found that around 31% experienced moderate to severe psychological distress. Factors such as starting work at a younger age and being a female worker in a male-dominated environment.
Fatigue is also a major concern. Research across gold and platinum mines in South Africa has shown that extended shift work, underground depth, sleep deprivation, and poor ventilation contribute to cognitive fatigue. This, in turn, affects decision‑making, reaction times, and overall safety performance on site.
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These findings highlight a clear link between psychological strain and workplace safety and productivity. Without proper support systems in place, fatigue and emotional stress can reduce engagement, increase absenteeism, and raise the risk of accidents across operations.
Recognising the growing need, several mining companies are introducing targeted programmes that combine professional support, peer engagement, and leadership training.
Harmony Gold leads with an early intervention model
South African-based Harmony Gold has expanded its employee wellness efforts through its Khethimpilo programme. The initiative offers confidential counselling, wellness campaigns, and education across its workforce. In the 2024 financial year, more than 22,000 employees were reached through awareness activities, and close to 10,000 private consultations were conducted. The company has made mental health support a core part of its safety and sustainability strategy.
Lotus Resources and government collaboration
In Malawi, Lotus Resources is working with local health experts and community stakeholders to prepare for the reopening of its Kayelekera Uranium Project. Alongside the plant refurbishment, the company has focused on building support structures for workers returning to the site, including on-site wellness services and training for supervisors to identify early signs of distress. This forms part of a broader effort to align operations with the expectations of the Malawian Ministry of Mining, which has urged mining companies to prioritise mental wellbeing and community health.
Training supervisors and shifting culture
Industry experts say that successful mental health strategies rely on more than access to support services. Training for managers and supervisors is essential to create a culture where employees feel safe to speak up. Initiatives like WiMSA’s GBV Voices for Safety empower women to share and act, fostering psychological safety in mining environments.
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Rio Tinto, for example, has rolled out training for mental health champions at its operations, helping shift attitudes and promote open dialogue. Similarly, BHP launched internal “RUOK?” campaigns to encourage peer check-ins, resulting in more workers coming forward for help.
The Minerals Council South Africa has also emphasised that creating psychologically safe workplaces should be part of every employer’s responsibility. The Council has called for the integration of psychosocial risk assessments into mine health and safety plans, similar to how physical risks are handled.
A shift in the right direction
As mental health challenges gain visibility in the sector, the shift towards structured support is becoming more pronounced. Employers are learning that safeguarding mental wellbeing is not just a moral obligation—it is also key to retaining skilled workers, maintaining productivity, and reducing incidents on site.
For an industry built around managing risk, addressing mental health is now part of building a safer, more sustainable future for mining.
