Maximizing the impact of mining investment in water infrastructure for local communities

Mining activities requiring the development of new or expansion of existing water infrastructure provide an opportunity to benefit local communities with limited access to clean water. Mining companies have commonly assisted water service provision to communities as part of their mining concession or through corporate social responsibility programs. In addition to the water infrastructure provided to local communities, the accompanying capacity building, infrastructure governance, and the consultation process all have notable impacts not only on the sustainability of the water infrastructure, but also the level of benefit to communities. Using recent Australian Government funded water and sanitation interventions along the Nacala Economic Corridor (Mozambique) as a case study, we provide an examination of how mining companies can most effectively ensure the delivery of sustainable water infrastructure to local communities.