Community health
We strive to address any health risks that may affect our workforce, their families and the communities associated with our operations. In areas where endemic disease such as HIV and AIDS has a serious community impact, we work with the local community, public health authorities and others to help prevent illness.
Infectious diseases
In some areas of South Africa, community facilities for treating people living with HIV and AIDS are inadequate to manage local needs. Over the years, we have formed public-private partnerships to develop services targeting HIV/AIDS, and funded the construction of several clinics and pharmacies.
Malaria
Malaria is a significant community concern at some of our operations in Tanzania and Papua New Guinea. In these areas, we collaborate with local health authorities and others to identify and implement measures for preventing the spread of malaria. These include public awareness campaigns, the use of treated bed nets and improved water drainage systems.
Lead
Our Mount Isa Mines operations in Queensland, Australia, are located close to the city of Mount Isa. Lead is naturally occurring in the region and historic mining practices have resulted in some areas of contamination. We are addressing the potential health risks from lead exposure and taking steps to prevent it occurring. Measures include:
- offering free and confidential blood-lead screen for local residents
- helping to form the Living with Lead Alliance to provide the local community with information on living safely with lead
- minimising lead leaving the mine site by laundering work clothes and fuelling and servicing work vehicles on-site
- monitoring air quality levels and direction or shutting down operations as needed to control air emissions
- investing in a Smelter Emissions project to improve the capture and treatment of emissions
