Analysis of the Role of Women in Artisanal Mining and Mineral Processing in Osun State, South West Nigeria

Women constitute a significant but often invisible part of the artisanal mining workforce in South West Nigeria, undertaking roles in ore sorting, washing, and trading that are essential to the small-scale mining value chain. This study analyses the economic contributions, working conditions, and challenges faced by women engaged in artisanal gold and quartz mining activities in Osun State, South West Nigeria. A qualitative and quantitative survey was conducted with 150 women engaged in mining-related activities across four communities in the Ilesha and Ifewara mining districts. Data collection instruments included structured questionnaires, life history interviews, and participatory wealth ranking exercises. Findings reveal that women perform 40 to 60 percent of manual ore processing tasks but receive incomes significantly lower than male miners undertaking equivalent volumes of work. Access to training, protective equipment, and formal credit is near-zero among the female workforce. Women report high rates of occupational injury from sharp ore fragments and chemical exposure from mercury-contaminated wash water. Leadership representation in artisanal miner associations is below 5 percent. The study recommends gender-responsive mining policies, targeted livelihood support programmes for women processors, and the inclusion of gender equity criteria in artisanal mining licence conditions. Keywords: women in mining, artisanal mining, Osun State, gender equity, mineral processing.