Industrial mining and HIV risk: evidence from 39 mine openings across 16 countries in sub-Saharan Africa

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of natural resource extraction projects on HIV transmission risks in local communities in sub-Saharan Africa. DESIGN: Difference-in-differences design using repeated cross-sectional data from around newly opened mines. METHODS: We combined data on mine openings with HIV data from the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS). Using logistic regression models, we compared HIV-related indicators between mining (i.e. up to 10 km distance from the mine) and comparison (i.e. 10–50 km) areas before and after mine opening to identify their impact on HIV prevalence, sexual behavior and HIV knowledge. RESULTS: A total of 33 086 individuals across 39 mine openings were analyzed. Adjusting for baseline differences and temporal trends in the study regions, mine opening increased the odds of HIV infection almost two-fold [odds ratio (OR): 1.93, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.19–3.14]. Strongest effects were seen in high-prevalence countries and in the 20–29 years age group. In mining communities around operational mines, there was a tendency towards lower HIV knowledge (OR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.63–1.04). New mine openings increased the odds of risky sexual behaviors, such as having multiple sex partners (OR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.02–2.55), high-risk sexual partners (OR: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.03–2.05) and unprotected sex with high-risk partners (OR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.18–2.67). CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that in our sample of households surrounding industrial mines, HIV infection risks substantially increase upon mine opening. Existing strategies for addressing mining-related risks for HIV transmission seem to be insufficient. Further efforts for mitigating and monitoring impacts of mines are needed.