Assessment of radiological exposure levels in the artisanal mining sector and victim management: a case study of Lualaba province, Democratic Republic of Congo

Abstract

Background. Artisanal mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo exposes workers to largely unrecognized radiological risks.

Objective. To assess ionizing radiation exposure levels, miners' knowledge and practices, and the health system's capacity to manage victims in Lualaba Province.

Methods. A cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study was conducted from December 2025 to March 2026. A total of 110 artisanal miners from three sites — Kolwezi (n = 34), Lubudi (n = 32), and Mutshatsha (n = 44) — and 10 health professionals were included. Dosimetric measurements used a Saphydose-N survey meter (µSv/h) and an Inspector Alert scintillometer (Bq/cm²). Standardized questionnaires assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP). Statistical analyses used χ² or Fisher's exact test, ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis test, and multivariable binary logistic regressions. Significance was set at p < .05.

Results. Mean ambient dose was 2.45 ± 1.23 µSv/h (maximum: 8.90 µSv/h in Lubudi), approximately 10 times the local background (0.24 µSv/h). Mean surface contamination on hands was 0.85 ± 0.55 Bq/cm² (maximum: 2.40 Bq/cm²). No miner wore radiation-specific personal protective equipment (PPE). Ignorance of radiation existence concerned 71.8% of miners (79/110), with a significant difference between sites, χ²(2, N = 110) = 10.30, p = .006. Respiratory symptoms were most frequent (42.7%). In multivariable analysis, working in Lubudi (OR = 4.97; 95% CI [1.82, 13.56]; p = .002) and extracting uranium (OR = 6.34; 95% CI [2.01, 20.00]; p = .001) were independent risk factors for high exposure (> 3 µSv/h). Low education level was the only factor associated with risk unawareness (OR = 3.45; 95% CI [1.45, 8.21]; p = .005). Among health workers, 80% were unaware of the 20 mSv/year regulatory limit, no radiological accident management protocol existed, and the mean hospital preparedness score was 2/20 (10%).

Conclusion. Artisanal miners in Lualaba are exposed to dangerously high radiation levels, in a context of massive risk unawareness and a totally inadequate health system. An integrated model of prevention, dosimetric surveillance, and emergency medical training is proposed.

Keywords: natural radiation; uranium; artisanal miners; dosimetry; health system; Lualaba; Democratic Republic of Congo; logistic regression.

Received Date: August 17, 2026

Accepted Date: September 09, 2026

Published Date: October 01, 2026

Available Online at: https://www.ijsrisjournal.com/index.php/ojsfiles/article/view/990