Module 3 of the Media Fellowship in Occupational Health (MFOH) took fellows on an in-depth exploration of occupational health in the mining sector. Across five sessions, participants examined the health, environmental, and social dimensions of mining while developing the knowledge and skills to report on these issues with accuracy and impact.

Week 9:
The module opened with an exploration of occupational hazards in artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM), examining the health risks faced by miners, the environmental impacts of mining activities, and their effects on surrounding communities. Fellows reflected on the role of journalism in documenting these realities and advancing environmental justice through evidence-based reporting.

Week 10:
Sessions traced the history of mining in Africa and examined how ethical and responsible mining can support industrialization while safeguarding worker health, environmental protection, and community wellbeing. Fellows explored the media’s role in promoting transparency, accountability, and informed public dialogue around natural resource governance.

Week 11:
Discussions focused on telling Africa’s mining story through the lens of the Africa Mining Vision, encouraging fellows to report beyond extraction by highlighting sustainable development, local value addition, worker health and safety, and the experiences of mining communities.

Week 12:
Fellows connected their learning to practice by exploring project development opportunities with regional institutions and presenting their own occupational health story ideas. Constructive feedback from mentors and peers helped strengthen projects designed to inform, advocate, and inspire change.

Week 13:
The module concluded with a session on investigative and data journalism in mining, equipping fellows with practical tools to uncover occupational health and safety issues through evidence-based reporting. The week also marked the introduction of Module 4: Health of the Health Care Workers, expanding the fellowship’s focus to the occupational risks faced by healthcare professionals and humanitarian workers.

The completion of Module 3 marks another important milestone in strengthening media capacity to report on occupational health across Africa. By connecting mining, environmental health, governance, and investigative journalism, fellows are better equipped to tell stories that promote accountability, influence policy, and contribute to safer workplaces and healthier communities.