Using Q-methodology for policy research and stakeholder engagement to strengthen public health in large-scale mining in Mozambique

Mining projects can have adverse effects on public health, potentially impacting the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. While environmental impacts are typically addressed through mandatory environmental impact assessments, public health consequences often receive inadequate attention, despite being a major concern for affected communities. Policy instruments for mitigating these public health issues, including health impact assessment (HIA), remain underutilized, particularly in Africa. We conduct a Q-methodology study in Mozambique to (1) identify policy preferences of government, private sector, and civil society stakeholders for regulating public health in large-scale mining projects; and (2) to actively engage local stakeholders in a national-level dialogue on strengthening public health in impact assessment practise. The findings were successfully used to initiate and inform a policy dialogue in cooperation with local public health professionals and public health institutions, as well as policymakers in the respective ministries.