Holistic Evaluation of Mining Impacts: Exploring Environmental Stressors and Health Outcomes in Affected Communities

Abstract

Mining activities, while vital for economic development, pose significant environmental and health challenges for communities living nearby. This study investigates the relationships between proximity to mining sites and various environmental and health outcomes, including noise-induced stress, respiratory disorders, and waterborne diseases. Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected from mining-affected communities and analyzed through statistical methods such as Chi-Square, ANOVA, T-Test, and Correlation analysis. The results revealed no statistically significant associations across the hypotheses, suggesting the need for more integrative research to understand the complex dynamics of environmental stressors. This paper highlights critical gaps in current research, including the limited consideration of multiple environmental stressors, reliance on self-reported data, and insufficient longitudinal studies. A proposed theoretical framework emphasizes the integration of objective environmental conditions and subjective perceptions to inform targeted policies and sustainable practices. These findings underscore the importance of holistic approaches in mitigating the adverse effects of mining on vulnerable populations.