Fostering Mental Health in the Mining World: Part 1 - Lack of Sunlight

Mining is more than just a job—it’s a way of life that demands resilience, grit, and unwavering focus. Whether you’re hauling ore deep underground, operating heavy machinery, or spending weeks in remote camps, your mind is the most important tool you bring to the job. Like the mining equipment you rely on, your brain requires proper maintenance, the right fuel, and ideal conditions to function at peak performance. Neglect it, and the gears start grinding: stress, fatigue, and burnout can set in, impacting not just your well-being but also your safety and productivity on the job.

Employers also face challenges in this area. A mentally exhausted workforce means more mistakes, increased accidents, and potential financial losses from absenteeism, workers’ compensation claims, and reduced efficiency. That’s why mental health isn’t just a personal issue, it’s a business priority.

This five-part series explores critical factors that impact miners' mental health: lack of sunlight, time away from family, poor nutrition, substance abuse, and shift work. Each section will highlight the risks, provide actionable strategies, and emphasize why prioritizing mental well-being benefits both miners and employers.

Lack of Sunlight—Draining the Battery

Spending hours underground or in remote camps can cut you off from natural light. But sunlight isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential for brain health. It regulates your circadian rhythm (your internal clock), boosts vitamin D levels, and stimulates serotonin production, which helps maintain mood stability and focus. Without it, the risk of depression, fatigue, and poor concentration skyrockets.

The Risks of Ignoring the Warning Signs

Miners who don’t get enough sunlight are likely to experience increased mood swings, sluggish thinking, and increased susceptibility to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Without proper intervention, this can lead to heightened stress, reduced alertness, and increased workplace accidents. Employers who overlook this issue may see a decline in morale, higher absenteeism rates, and an overall decrease in productivity.

Maintenance Tips for Miners:

• Catch some rays during breaks, even if it’s just a quick step outside.

• Use a light therapy lamp. Many studies have found that these lamps can remedy the problem of low sunlight by mimicking the frequencies of light needed to cause a biological shift. Sitting next to one for 20 minutes first thing in the morning and once again in the afternoon is ideal (note: regular lighting from regular light bulbs or LED's does NOT have the correct frequencies of light necessary to remedy this issue). These lamps can be found for cheap on places like Amazon.

• Ask a doctor about vitamin D supplements to keep your levels solid. The daily recommendation is 4000ui.

• Light exposure is most important within the first hour of waking. Getting sunlight or light from a therapy lamp in your eyes (not direct) first thing in the morning will assist in setting your brain's biological clock.

For Employers:

• Setting up break areas with light therapy lamps is a low-cost option that can significantly boost your employees’ morale and energy. These lights are typically very bright, so including some education on why they’re useful in staff meetings or posting a sign with key points could help encourage proper use. Many people report feeling alert and focused within seconds of using them.

• Educate workers on the importance of light exposure and encourage proper use of therapy lamps or sunlight. Light is essential for mental health both inside and outside of work (especially morning light).

• Adjust scheduling when possible to ensure workers get some exposure to natural light, especially during long shifts.

Summary

Lack of sunlight can drain a miner’s mental battery, leading to fatigue, depression, and poor concentration. Employers who invest in light therapy solutions and education can boost morale and productivity while reducing safety risks. Just like a machine needs a fully charged battery to function, the human mind needs light to stay sharp and resilient.

Need to talk? Michael Fournier is a psychotherapist and educator with direct experience working with miners, managers and their employers. Reach out for a session tailored to your schedule and your life.

Looking to learn more about how your business can support the mental health of its employees? Submit an inquiry below.