Gendered dimensions of mental health in High-Risk occupations: A systematic review of the mining and extractive sectors

Abstract

Objective

This systematic review examines how mental health outcomes are shaped by gendered dynamics in mining and extractive sectors. It synthesizes empirical evidence to identify psychosocial risks, gender-specific vulnerabilities, and gaps in occupational health frameworks. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, we analyzed 15 peer-reviewed empirical studies published between 2000 and 2024, retrieved from five major databases. Eligibility criteria included focus on mental health among mining workers and incorporation of gender as a central or intersecting variable. Studies were examined across three dimensions: methodological characteristics, analytical focus (outcomes, risks, instruments), and critical findings. Quality was appraised using CASP and START tools. Results: Mining work was consistently associated with adverse mental health outcomes, including depression, anxiety, and psychological distress. Psychosocial risks—such as work-family conflict, harassment, job insecurity, and organizational injustice—were more intense for women. Gender analyses were inconsistently applied, and few studies proposed interventions. Qualitative studies offered insights into structural inequalities, while quantitative research provided prevalence data but often lacked intersectional depth. Conclusion: Mental health risks in extractive industries are profoundly gendered, influenced by occupational, cultural, and institutional factors. Improving mental health policies in mining demands gender-sensitive approaches, inclusive practices, and investment in longitudinal, participatory research tailored to diverse mining contexts.