2.3 Mining and Health
Health is one of the fundamental aspects for the development and survival of all human races. The World Health Organization defined health as ‘a state of complete physical, mental and social well being and not merely the absence of diseases or infirmity’ (WHO, 1947). Mining has both positive and negative effects in their operational communities. …show more content…
The issue of changing ones residence due to unhealthy environment is economically stress and this could force especially the rural communities to live there. The health of rural mining communities has garnered little attention; hence the potential health effect of particles from open-cast mining sites for instance has more complications on communities in close proximity (Chadderton, Elliot and Gareth, 2011, p 39. Shandro et al, 2011, p.2). This explained the reasons why mining operations are supposed to resettle and compensate the affected individual close to the mining …show more content…
However, it does contribute to the erosion of indigenous people’s culture, restrict them from access to their territory, environmentally and health; and has adverse effects on traditional livelihoods. In further review, mining projects should be designed to avoid potentially significant adverse effects, avoid potentially harm to communities and cultures and where it is not applicable, the effects could be minimize, manage, and compensate fairly for the impacts as well as make special arrangements to protect cultural property or sites of religious significance for indigenous peoples ((ICMM, 2008). Thus, a policy framework instituted to reduce consequences of malnutrition, family disintegration, social vices, poverty, environmental and health related issues to the affected mining communities. A study by Shandro et al. (2011) in Canada point out that there is lasting benefits to local communities through self-sustaining programs to