? Mining is an important topic to discuss at international level because minerals,
metals and other raw materials play such an important role in modern society.
Access to, and affordability of mineral raw materials is vital for the sound
functioning of the world economy. Most importantly, mine operations have an
enormous potential to create, contribute to and support sustainable
development.
? One of the most pressing needs today is to find new ways of doing more with
less, to increase the wealth and welfare of people but at the same time to
decrease pressure on eco-systems. Access to raw materials may be more
limited in the future than it is today. It will therefore be necessary to minimise
the waste we generate and to increase recycling and reuse of resources to
produce raw materials and products.
? The Johannesburg Plan of Implementation aims to fight poverty and to protect
the environment. It acknowledges the importance of mining to economic and
social development and proposes specific actions to enhance their contribution
to sustainable development.
? The EU has made progress internally and wishes to contribute to progress
internationally. It has increased resource efficiency and improved good
governance. It has further enhanced the management of extractive industries
activities and the rehabilitation of abandoned mines, as well as improving the
health and safety of workers.
? However, we recognise that, both internally and at international level, some
issues remain to be addressed. Governments play a crucial role in enhancing
corporate social responsibility standards in the extractive industry. We need to
improve governance in the mining sector and to ensure that natural resources
contribute to sustainable development and poverty eradication. Guidance is
also required for the rehabilitation of abandoned mines and the methane
hazard in coal mines needs to be reduced.
? Together, we are best placed to face any constraints on the rapid
implementation of the objectives of Agenda 21. We need to develop and
enhance interaction with and regulation of the mining industry and strengthen
national institutions. It is our responsibility to take effective approaches to the
funding of closure, to ensure equitable participation by all stakeholders in
mining activities and to protect biodiversity and ecosystems.
? Among others, the EU is hoping to strengthen the Extractive Industries
Transparency Initiative (the EITI) and certification systems in the mining
sector. We would like to promote capacity building, to identify best practices
and to create an appropriate knowledge base on mineral resources for strategic
thinking and policy innovations. Together with companies, like-minded
countries and the World Bank Group we aim to strengthen Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR) requirements and to encourage new management
techniques and promote broad-based capacities especially in science and
technology.
? Importantly, we also wish to contribute to the improvement of the social,
environmental, health and safety aspects of mining, while recognizing the
benefits derived through this activity.
? CSD plays an important role in the achievement of these targets, notably due
to its coordination potential and its role of mobilizing experts and decision
makers in a number of different fields that are essential for the development of
policies. We also attach particular importance to the contribution and input to
be given by Major Groups to this debate.
