Mr. Chairman,
We associate ourselves with the statement made by the
distinguished representative of Yemen on behalf of the Group of
77.
Mining in India is an important contributor to the country?s
GDP and is also a significant source of employment generation.
The total value of mineral production during the year 2009-10 in
India stood at roughly US$ 27 billion.
Mr. Chairman,
It is well recognised that mining, unless properly regulated,
can have adverse environmental and social consequences. On
one hand, mining disturbs the soil, water and ecological regimes
and on the other hand, unless accompanied by proactive
measures to promote inclusiveness, it can lead to the alienation
of the local population and assume socially unacceptable
dimensions. This brings me to the first of the three major issues
related to the sustainability of mining operations.
Indian experience has shown that Relief and Rehabilitation
(R&R) solutions are not as easy as they seem and unless properly
designed and implemented, can have law and order implications
as well. India has come up with a comprehensive National R&R
Policy in the year 2007 and the newer R&R plans like that of
Jharia (2009) incorporate self-contained new townships for the
displaced population and also a detailed programme for skill
upgradation.
Mr. Chairman,
The second issue is, how do you plan upfront for
sustainable mining operations? India has managed to evolve a
fairly robust system of environmental clearances as well as forest
land diversion related clearances. However, the real challenge lies
in monitoring and enforcing the conditions stipulated in these
clearances. Since mining activities are mostly carried out in
remote and far flung areas, institutional innovation and creation
of empowered monitoring authorities to take care of such
concerns, has to be ensured on a priority basis.
Mr. Chairman,
The third issue related to mining is land degradation. A
country like India has about 0.7% of its land mass under mines.
Despite detailed guidelines of the Indian Bureau of Mines,
restoration of land after mines closure remains a big challenge. A
two pronged strategy is needed to address this issue: one,
capacity building of mining companies along with greater stress
on Corporate Social Responsibility.; and two, enacting a more
effective regulatory regime. Application of GIS/GPS based
monitoring mechanisms and related technologies could prove to
be very useful and this needs to be encouraged through greater
flow of technology and resources to the developing world.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
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