Miner says women take huge risks with little returns

By GLORIA BAUAI
GEORGINA Kori, an alluvial miner from Wau, Morobe, says mining as a woman is more laborious and dangerous with very little benefit.
Kori, in her late 40s, has been involved in alluvial mining for a long time.
She said living in a mining town such as Wau where the cost of living was high, alluvial mining was the main source of income for all.
According to Kori, majority of women who mine were in a polygamous marriage, widowed or the husband does not provide.
“We need to care for our families and do that through alluvial mine despite the risks involved,” she said.
Kori said unlike men who use bigger tools and machines, women were limited.
“We can spend the whole day in the mine and get no gramme at all compared to men who dig directly into hard rock and have better advantage.
“We collect and after five days, we wash our dirt and get at least point three or point five grammes, that’s enough for us.
“Our other bigger challenge is having to deal with our children while handling chemicals (mercury) because while we mine, we are still mothers,” she said.