Vale, partners to study mental health in mining

Mining giant Vale has partnered with Laurentian University and the United Steelworkers (USW) to conduct a $400,000, three-year research project focused on the mental health of miners.

The partners’ goal with the study is to develop strategies to promote mental health for workers at Vale’s Ontario operations. The study will add to the body of mental health research applicable to mining and similar industries.

A quarter of disability claims by Vale’s Ontario workers relate to mental health, the company states.

The study will survey workers from all work divisions at Vale’s Ontario operations. A multidisciplinary research team from Laurentian University’s Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health will work on the project with the Vale/USW Joint Occupational Health Committee.

“To date there has been little research on the mental health and well-being of workers in the mining industry,” clinical psychologist Michel Larivière said, who will lead the research team. “Our findings may help to shape policies and procedures that are most conducive to worker well-being in mining and in other industries.”