Knowledge sharing & learning for communities with active lead smelting and mining
Communities that live in close proximity to active lead smelting and mining facilities share unique challenges when working toward the goal of thriving families, environment and economy. There is often a diverse network of local and regional actors working to ensure economic prosperity along with the health of the environment and people. Acknowledging that no one group or organization can address the complex situation on their own, they may come together to collaboratively reduce exposure to smelter and mining specific emissions such as Pb (lead) and SO2 (sulphur dioxide) in addition to providing community-based education and programs to reduce children’s blood lead levels, and ultimately improve peoples’ health.
Two such communities include Port Pirie, Australia and Trail, BC, Canada. For more than thirty years, these two communities have been exchanging knowledge and ideas with the ultimate goal of reducing children’s blood lead levels in their communities. Along with Broken Hill, Australia, there is a strong desire to continue sharing and learning together more frequently
Contact michelle@thep.ca to learn more about our community of practice, add your community, and participate in future events.