An Exploratory Methodological Approach To Enhancing Public Health Policy In Ghana’s Mining Operations.
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Elsevier Inc.
Abstract
Industrial mining significantly contributes to the economies and public revenues of numerous low- and lower middle-income nations, with its importance set to grow due to the increasing demand for critical minerals in
the energy transition. Concurrently, the negative externalities associated with large-scale mining are set to
escalate if not rigorously managed. Among these adverse impacts, the negative effects on public health have long
been disregarded in the governance of large-scale mining projects. This study examines the regulatory and policy
landscape governing public health within impact assessment practices in large-scale mining operations, high
lighting the inadequacy of current regulatory approaches, particularly the limited attention given to public
health within Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). Focusing on mineral-rich Ghana, we investigate
stakeholder perceptions regarding the adequacy of current EIA policy frameworks in safeguarding public health.
Applying Q-methodology, we explore diverse perspectives on policy action, priorities, and the involvement of
relevant actors in shaping progressive public health regulation within the mining sector. Our findings offer
valuable insights into the policy space and potential strategies for strengthening public health in mining activ
ities, with implications for EIA environmental management practices. Moreover, our findings suggest that the
divergent policy preferences uncovered in Ghana highlight key obstacles to greater public health consideration
through the inclusion of Health Impacts Assessment (HIA), especially in contexts with limited administrative
resources. Our study reveals how roles, responsibilities, and authority over impact assessment and mine licensing
processes can significantly shape stakeholder policy preferences toward HIA.
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Research Article