Managing Mining For Sustainable Development
Minerals and metals are essential materials for the functioning of modern societies and economies. Mining provides great economic opportunities for resource-rich countries. However, the process of mining creates challenges and risks for the well-being of people and the environment. A key challenge for these countries is to manage mining in a way that contributes to – and does not jeopardize – sustainable development. The management of mining at all stages, from exploration to mine closure requires serious consideration of social and environmental impacts. The legal and contractual frameworks that govern mining are often made with little consideration of environmental sustainability and the wellbeing of affected communities. The rights of local communities and indigenous people to have a say in decisions about mining projects are often not realized. Most countries have adopted rules on environmental and social impact assessment and mine closure, but the implementation of these rules is lagging behind. Moreover, countries and communities often do not access the full economic benefits of mining. Governments may lack the capacity to estimate returns from mining and negotiate mining taxes. Even when they do collect fiscal revenues from mining, they face challenges with the volatility of these revenues and investing these resources into sustainable development. People and local businesses may not be able to take advantage of the job opportunities and business development potential that come from mining.
This sourcebook brings together existing knowledge, experiences and tools to help equip governments and communities in resource rich countries and regions to manage mining in a way that is consistent with their aspirations for sustainable development. The premise of this sourcebook is that it is within the power of governments of resource-rich countries to protect people and the environment and to realize the benefits from mining, working alongside the mining industry and local communities.
Much of the available knowledge on social and environmental sustainability concerns related to mining is produced by and for the mining industry, while most available knowledge products for governments are focused on the economic governance of mining. By synthesizing knowledge on the environmental, social and economic aspects of mining in a way that is relevant for governments and communities in resource-rich countries and regions, this sourcebook fills an important gap.
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Additional Info
- Author(s)
- U Gankhuyag, F Gregoire
- Publication Year
- 2018
- Associated Partners
- UKAID, Norwegien Ministry of Foreign Affairs, B+HR (Business and Human Rights, Asia - Pacific), EU, Sweden Serige, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Spain
- Language
- English
- Publishing Institution Webpage
- https://www.undp.org/
- Data Source Classification
- Program Report
- Research Type
- Both
- Research Methodology
- Primary - OBSERVATION, Secondary - PREVIOUS RESEARCH, Secondary - OFFICIAL STATISTICS, Primary - ANECDOTAL
- Thematic Tags
- Political, Certification, Due Diligence, Traceability, and Transparency, Formalization, Economic, Government Revenue, Social, Community, Health and Safety, Human Rights, Labor and Working Conditions, Armed Conflict/Criminality, Technological, Mine Life Cycle, Legal, Land Rights, Laws and Regulations, Licensing, Mineral Rights, Tax
- Region
- Global, Global/Multi-Region
- Last Updated
- October 5, 2019