ABSTRACT
The outbreak of Ebola virus in west Africa in 2014–2016 demonstrates the continued risk of emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) in Africa. It also illustrates the vulnerability of mining companies to the economic impacts of EIDs: that the outbreak forced several companies to scale back and/or terminate projects.
Through its impacts on land use, human population dynamics, and biodiversity alterations, among many other behavioral and ecological changes, the mining industry creates risks for the spread of EIDs. The industry can mitigate these risks through cross-sectoral partnerships involving other private sector companies, NGOs, and local and international health authorities to help prevent, prepare for, and respond to EID outbreaks. The success of such cross-sectoral partnerships depends in part on a good understanding of past effective collaborations.
Policymakers and companies should focus more on risks of EIDs during routine impact assessment of mining projects, and should better identify how the mining industry can support countries’ adherence to international frameworks and guidelines for preventing and responding to EID outbreaks.
