Statement by Mr. Masaya Sagawa
Delegation of Japan
Mining
Inter-governmental Preparatory Meeting
19th Session of the Commission on Sustainable Development
2 March 2011
Thank you, Mr. Chairman,
Once, Japan was a country rich in mineral resources and the Government
promoted mining in its economic development. This rapid development of the
mining industry created various environmental problems. The Government of
Japan has strived to overcome these issues by combining regulations, mining
supervision, and an effective taxa tion system .
Japan currently relies on imports from abroad for its mineral resources. Some
resources come from projects that Japanese companies own equities and
participate in operations abroad. Thus, when the Japanese companies
participate in mining operations abroad, they put Japan?s experience to use to
ensure safe and efficient mining.
Mr. Chairman,
Sustainable mining requires integrated approaches taking account of the three
pillars of sustainable development. We should not focus too much on the
balance of asset reduction by mining and the revenues from royalties and taxes.
Rather we need to adequately evaluate impacts on employment and local
development as well as environmental impacts.
Recycling should be promoted in order to ensure the effective use of mineral
resources. In Japan recycling is an important resource of metals, the so-called
?urban mine.? Such recycling, however, requires the establishment of an
effective collecting system of waste, as well as the development of technology
for efficient separation of metals from waste. In this regard, it is helpful to
formulate guidelines which encourage the designing of easily-recycled products.
Finally, Mr. Chairman, economic development of countries with mining industries
should be pursued while ensuring transparency of mining sector. The
promotion of mining should lead to the development of the local community in
tandem with the construction of social infrastructure. In this respect,
international governance through the Extractive Industries Transparency
Initiative (EITI) should be enhanced so that increases in royalties and taxes
result in a strong fiscal foundation and a fair system of economic development.
Establishment of local infrastructure development funds using the royalty
revenues is also effective.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
