Context
Its is important to remember there is both large scale commercial mining as well as artisanal mining. Generally the larger commercial international and to a lesser extent national mining companies adhere t international good practice around community and occupational health nd safety. Artisanal mining is tends to have a much laxer approach as the mining companies are smaller can involve a loose association between individual miners and groups of miners.
It is important to note that the impacts of mining on health and wellbeing vary depending on factors such as the type of minerals extracted, mining techniques used, local context, and the effectiveness of regulations and mitigation measures. Ongoing research is necessary to inform responsible mining practices and policies that promote the maximization of positive health impacts while minimizing negative health and wellbeing effects.
Illustrative causal pathway diagram for health impacts of mining.
Source: Salim created this for ICMM
Key Actions
Implement strict regulations
Enforce robust regulations and standards for mining operations to protect human health and the environment. This includes measures to control pollution, minimize exposure to harmful substances, and ensure occupational health and safety standards are in place.
Prioritise community engagement and participation
Involve local communities in decision-making processes and ensure their concerns and perspectives are taken into account from the early stages of planning through implementation and closure of mining projects. This helps to foster trust, mitigate social conflicts, and address health and wellbeing concerns.
Assess and mitigate environmental impacts
Conduct comprehensive environmental impact assessments before mining commences, and develop strategies to minimize and mitigate the negative impacts on air quality, water sources, and land degradation. Implement effective monitoring systems to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
Promote responsible practices
Encourage the adoption of responsible mining practices, such as utilizing advanced technologies to minimize environmental harm, implementing efficient waste management systems, and practicing progressive reclamation and rehabilitation of mined areas.
Enhance occupational health and safety
Ensure comprehensive occupational health and safety policies and programs are in place to protect the health and wellbeing of mine workers. This includes providing adequate training, personal protective equipment, and regular health monitoring.
Invest in community development
Mining companies should invest in community development programs that support local healthcare infrastructure, education, and social services. This can help to mitigate the negative social impacts of mining and improve the overall health and wellbeing of affected communities.
Promote transparency and accountability
Foster transparency and accountability in the mining sector by promoting disclosure of environmental and health-related data, regular monitoring, and independent audits of mining operations. This ensures that responsible practices are followed and potential health risks are identified and addressed promptly.
Support alternative livelihoods
Promote economic diversification and provide support for alternative livelihood options, especially for communities heavily reliant on mining, to reduce the dependence on mining activities and their associated health risks.
Encourage research and knowledge sharing
Support research and knowledge sharing on the health impacts of mining projects to better understand and mitigate the potential risks. This can inform evidence-based policies and practices for the industry.
Foster multi-stakeholder collaboration
Encourage collaboration between mining companies, governments, civil society organizations, and academia to develop and implement sustainable mining practices and policies that prioritize the health and wellbeing of communities affected by mining.
Positive Impacts
Economic opportunities
Mining projects can stimulate economic growth, create job opportunities, and improve living standards in local communities, thereby enhancing overall wellbeing.
Infrastructure development
Mining projects often require the development of infrastructure such as roads, schools, healthcare facilities, and utilities, which can benefit the surrounding communities.
Social investment
Responsible mining companies sometimes invest in community development programs, healthcare facilities, education initiatives, and other social projects, leading to improved health and wellbeing outcomes for local populations.
Local empowerment
Mining projects can provide opportunities for local communities to engage in decision-making processes, fostering community ownership and empowerment.
Negative Impacts
Public health risks
Exposure to mining-related air pollutants, toxic chemicals, and hazardous substances can lead to respiratory and other health issues, including respiratory diseases, cancers, and neurological disorders.
Displacement and social disruption
Mining projects often require the resettlement of local communities, leading to loss of livelihoods, disruption of social networks, and stress-related health problems.
Social conflict
Mining projects can sometimes lead to conflicts over land rights, resource allocation, and compensation, resulting in social tensions, stress, and negative impacts on mental health and community cohesion.
Inequality and inequity
Mining activities can exacerbate existing social inequalities, resulting in differential access to benefits, resources, and services among different groups within the community, leading to health disparities.
Occupational health and safety
Miners are exposed to various risks, such as work-related accidents and injuries, exposure to harmful substances, and mental health challenges related to demanding working conditions, potentially leading to long-term health issues.
Environmental degradation
Mining activities can result in deforestation, land degradation, water pollution, and air pollution, leading to adverse health impacts for nearby communities due to contamination of water sources, soil, and air quality.