Is HIV a time bomb under the mining industry?

Is HIV a time bomb under the mining industry?

18th July 2007

The disproportionate risk to mine workers from sexually transmitted diseases is a serious concern to companies, governments and unions alike, although local communities, or indeed the affected sex workers, often only end up as a footnote to the statistics. HIV/AIDS is understandably a key concern (even if it is often raised regarding its effect on productivity and profit), but a recent outbreak of syphilis around the mining boom area of Fort Dauphin on the island of Madagscar has acted as a reminder of how relatively remote host communities can be affected by the arrival of large-scale projects.