SDG 3: Good Health and Wellbeing

There is an expectation that the private sector can and should play a significant role in promoting and supporting the delivery of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This SDG calls for the eradication of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and other infectious diseases; major reductions in child and maternal mortality and non-communicable diseases; universal access to quality healthcare and essential medicines; and substantial cuts in deaths and injuries from road traffic incidents.

Mine workers often face occupational health risks, including respiratory illnesses such as silicosis, and heightened exposure to communicable diseases like tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS. Working arrangements—such as fly-in/fly-out models—can contribute to mental health issues, substance misuse, and domestic violence. Communities near mining operations, particularly in regions with limited healthcare infrastructure, may also be vulnerable to disease and accidents linked to increased traffic or contamination of water sources. Tackling these risks requires proactive, inclusive approaches to health and safety—both within the workforce and across surrounding communities.

What companies need to know to manage impacts or make a positive contribution
The workforce and community health issues local to the company’s operations. The status of existing healthcare service provision, gaps in that provision, and plans to address these gaps by the responsible authorities. Opportunities to align company investments in employee healthcare with existing public plans.
Minimising negative impacts	Maximising positive contributions
Establish a rigorous workplace health and safety culture. Implement effective health monitoring and follow-up actions for mine workers and any community members at risk of adverse health impacts. Ensure effective environmental management to minimise the risk of harmful discharges into local water sources or onto land. Run HIV/AIDS education, prevention, testing and counselling programmes and community road safety programmes.	Invest in capacity building for community health workers. Take leadership role in combatting poorly understood, under-prioritised or stigmatised diseases. Support public responses to health emergencies and epidemics. Extend workforce health and wellbeing programmes to contractors and the local community.