Community health impacts of the trident copper mine project in Northwestern Zambia: results from repeated cross-sectional surveys

The application of a health impact assessment (HIA) for a large-scale copper mining project in rural Zambia triggered the long-term monitoring and evaluation of determinants of health and health outcomes in communities living in proximity to the mine. Three consecutive cross-sectional surveys were conducted at intervals of four years; thus, at baseline (2011), four (2015) and eight (2019) years into the project's development. Using the same field and laboratory procedures, the surveys allowed for determining changes in health indicators at the household level, in young children (<5 years), school attendees (9-14 years) and women (15-49 years). Results were compared between communities considered impacted by the project and communities outside the project area (comparison communities). The prevalence of; Plasmodium falciparum; infection increased in both the impacted and comparison communities between 2011 and 2019 but remained consistently lower in the impacted communities. Stunting in children < 5 years and the prevalence of intestinal parasite infections in children aged 9-14 years mostly decreased. In women of reproductive age, selected health indicators (i.e., anaemia, syphilis, underweight and place of delivery) either remained stable or improved. Impacted communities generally showed better health outcomes than comparison communities, suggesting that the health interventions implemented by the project as a consequence of the HIA have mitigated potential negative effects and enhanced positive effects. Caution is indicated to avoid promotion of health inequalities within and beyond the project area

Exploring the policy space for public health in large-scale mining in Burkina Faso: A Q-methodology study

Large-scale resource extraction may lead to significant negative externalities on the environment, social well-being and public health. Negative environmental impacts of extractive projects are regularly considered through mandatory environmental impact assessments; however, public health impacts frequently remain unaddressed due to a lack of legal requirements, particularly in Africa where many resource extraction projects are being implemented. While policy instruments are available to mitigate negative externalities on public health - the most eminent being the Health Impact Assessment (HIA) - such instruments have not been widely established. We use Q-methodology to explore the policy space available to advance public health in large-scale mining projects in Burkina Faso. A Q-methodology study is purposeful as it allows to reveal common ground between government, private sector and civil society stakeholders on whose support successful policy initiatives depend. We identify two broader stakeholder perspectives that reveal an overarching consensus on the need to regulate health impacts of mining projects. Both perspectives reject industry self-regulation and broadly agree on introducing HIA as a regulatory instrument, but also point to different priorities and focal points among stakeholders. We develop a conceptual framework to map stakeholders’ shared and divergent policy preferences. The findings can help to initiate a policy dialogue on safeguarding public health in large-scale mining projects and may guide policymakers to implement public health policy reform.ISSN:0301-420

Exploring the Impact of Mining on Community Health and Health Service Delivery: Perceptions of Key Informants Involved in Gold Mining Communities in Burkina Faso

Sub-Saharan Africa is rich in natural resources but also faces widespread poverty. The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals brought increased attention to resource extraction projects, emphasizing their development potential in extraction regions. While mining companies are required to conduct environmental impact assessments, their effect on the project-affected communities’ health mostly lacks systematic management, and their consideration of community perspectives is insufficient. Between March and May 2019, qualitative research was conducted at three industrial gold mines in Burkina Faso. Thirty-six participants, including community leaders, healthcare providers, and mining officials, were interviewed through key informant interviews about their perceptions on the impacts of mining operations on health, health determinants, and health service delivery. Disparities in perceptions were a key focus of the analysis. Mining officials reported mainly positive effects, while healthcare providers and community leaders described enhancing and adverse health impacts without clear trends observed regarding the extent of the impacts on health determinants. The perception of predominantly positive health impacts by mining officials represents a potential risk for insufficient acknowledgement of stakeholders’ concerns and mining-related effects on community health in affected populations. Overall, this study enhances comprehension of the complex interplay between mining operations and health, emphasizing the need for comprehensive assessments, stakeholder involvement, and sustainable practices to mitigate negative impacts and promote the well-being of mining communities.ISSN:1660-4601ISSN:1661-782