Mining-related trauma report sparks debate
“MY expert opinion is that the accumulation of traumatising and stressful events associated with the introduction and operation of opencast coal mining in Somkhele has caused psychological injury.”
This is the view of clinical and community psychology practitioner Dr Garret Barnwell, who has contributed to the report entitled ‘Everything for Dust: the Collective Trauma of Opencast Coal Mining on Residents in Somkhele, KZN’, released on Tuesday.
The report was commissioned by NPO and registered law clinic for climate and environmental justice ALL RISE.
The NPO said the report investigates 'an often-overlooked aspect of suffering', which is 'collective trauma and the high levels of continuous trauma stress, suicidality and depression', and highlights the 'urgent need for intervention'.
“Having met and talked to Somkhele residents over the years, we knew people were suffering and feeling down about their circumstances as a result of the mine. But now, having the findings of an independent assessment conducted by a registered clinical psychologist, we are shocked at just how badly people's mental health has been eroded, ” said Janice Tooley, director and founder of ALL RISE.
Dr Barnwell said the mine has resulted in psychological injury, 'which is consistent with collective trauma and other adverse individual psychological reactions, such as continuous traumatic stress disorders, depression and anxiety'.
Some of the major traumas and accumulating stressors noted in the report include:
- The multiple losses associated with relocation (eg disconnection from land, destruction of cattle kraals (izibaya)
- The horror and sacrilege of exhumation and reburial of deceased family members associated with relocations.
- The disruptions to identity and belonging through changes to social ecology.
- The impoverishment through loss of livelihoods and intergenerational wealth.
- The chronic environmental (health) stressors and perceived contamination.
- The community conflict and interpersonal violence.
Additionally, as part of this collective trauma are elements of betrayal trauma where those responsible for protecting communities are perceived as perpetrating wrongdoings, neglecting or scapegoating those who raise complaints.
Visit www.allrise.org.za for a full copy of the report.