Impact of mining projects on water and sanitation infrastructures and associated child health outcomes: a multi-country analysis of Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) in sub-Saharan Africa

Background Access to improved water and sanitation infrastructures are key determinants of health. The sub-Saharan African region in particular is lagging behind the ambitious goal of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to ensure universal access to improved and reliable water and sanitation for all (Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6). Large mining projects can promote economic growth and hence investments in water and sanitation infrastructures, but at the same time lead to rapid population growth and environmental degradation. In turn, these changes can pose risks and opportunities for child health (SDG 3). In this study we aim to quantify the impacts of mining projects on access to water and sanitation infrastructure as well as diarrhea and malnutrition among children using data from 131 Demographic and Health Surveys from sub-Saharan Africa. Results From a sample of around 1.2 million households, data within the proximity of 52 mine-panels were selected for longitudinal analyses, resulting in 41,896 households and 32,112 children. Improvements in access to modern water and sanitation infrastructures after mine opening were much larger in households near mining sites than in comparison areas located further away (adjusted relative risk ratio (aRRR) water: 18.60, 95 % confidence interval (CI): 13.08–26.46 and aRRR sanitation: 2.56, 95 % CI: 1.32–4.99). However, these associations were weaker among poorer households. In areas close to the mining sites, stunting and underweight prevalence decreased more strongly upon mine opening (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) stunting: 0.62, 95 % CI: 0.43–0.90; aOR underweight: 0.55, 95 % CI: 0.36–0.84). No differential changes were seen for wasting and diarrhea. Large impact heterogeneity was observed both within and across countries. Conclusions Our results suggest that the opening of mines is associated with improvements in access to modern water and sanitation infrastructures (SDG 6) as well as in some health outcomes (SDG 3). However, the large impact heterogeneity suggests that the assessment and management of mining-related impacts on communities should have an increased equity-focus, in order to “leave no one behind” in the work towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Overall, the findings of this study underscore that the resource extraction sector has the potential to make positive and substantial contributions towards achieving the SDGs.

LABORATORY TESTING THE COMBINED ELONGATE STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS OF SUPPORT OF A MINE OPENING

The stress-strain state of test specimens of the new combined structure of support of a mine opening under loads is studied. The test specimens are compound modular elements of the designed earlier combined structure of support. Every single modular element is the triangular prism, consisting of a reinforced concrete slab and a steel grid made of tube web members. The slab and web members are grouped in a complete element while concreting the slab. The tension sensor’s method of experimental investigation is applied to the testing specimens. Tests of specimens are carried out under the load forced with cargoes. Loads are set in the ways that to simulate service conditions, counting the most adverse. Design features of the support and test specimens are shown. Particulars of the support and its elements, production technology, assemblies as well as the sizes are briefly described. The methodology of testing specimens, as well as the analysis of the outcomes, are presente.

Testing of the combined structural elements of support of a mine opening

The stress-strain state of test specimens of the new combined system of support of a mine opening under imposed loads is studied. The test specimens are compound modular elements of the offered earlier combined system of support. Every single modular element is the regular quadrangular pyramid, consisting of a reinforced concrete slab and steel tube web members. The slab and web members are gathered in a complete element while concreting the slab. The tension sensor’s method of experimental research is applied to the test of specimens. The test of specimens is carried out under the load imposed with a hydraulic press. The load is set so that to imitate service conditions, including the most adverse. Design features of the offered support and test specimens are presented. Details of the support and its elements, sizes, production technology and assemblies are briefly described. The test methodology of specimens and the analysis of the results are presented. The load-carrying abilities of test specimens under the concentrated force and uniform load are obtained. Break down of slab and connection between the web members and the slab are the results of the test of the specimens under the concentrated force and the uniform load respectively.