Major Group: NGOs
Thank you Mr. Chairman,
Mining has a direct impact on the environment and local communities, not
only in the immediate area of the mine itself but also in the much wider
area affected by machinery plants, processing equipment, loading facilities,
transport access, accommodation and so on. This impact will be on either
or both of:
o Areas not currently used by humans, with effects on
wildlife and biodiversity, and
o Areas in use, including for other livelihoods such as low
scale animal production.
Decisions regarding the benefits of mining projects must be based on
available information, legislation, consultation and early social and
environmental impact assessment. NGOs and other organizations support
communities and have extensive experience in collecting, systematizing
and analysing information on mining activities and their impacts on
different regions of the planet, although, unfortunately, data are often
collected only after the damage is done.
In response to number three of the key questions we believe that mining
companies have a duty to safe guard the environmental and social aspects
of mining that goes beyond the current standards of being a corporate
citizen.
As mentioned by the panelists and several delegates, governance is a major
issue with mining. I suggest that this issue of responsibility is not limited to
governments, but extends to the companies as well. If companies are
unable to safeguard the environment and social aspects, and operate in an
open and transparent manner, then it is questionable whether they should
be in operation at all.
Mining companies that are capable of safeguarding the environment and
communities need to conduct Environmental impact assessments that
include not only the effect on environment, but also on the workers, the
communities, landscape, cultural heritage, biodiversity, and animal welfare.
We wish to endorse the interventions made by other delegates on this
aspect.
As a way forward International and national policy and legislation must be
developed to ensure that priority is given to human rights such as the
production of food, clean water, a healthy environment and security, rather
than to mining interests and profits. Additionally, mechanisms supporting
alternative economic activities must be developed
In conclusion, we suggest a way forward that is sustainable; holds mining
companies responsible for their actions and abilities; that Environmental
impact assessments, and international and national laws are inclusive to
realities of people, workers, animals, and the environment; and that these
discussions take on a holistic approach, that considers the 3 Es:
Environment, Economics, And Ethics.
Thank you.
Mining has a direct impact on the environment and local communities, not
only in the immediate area of the mine itself but also in the much wider
area affected by machinery plants, processing equipment, loading facilities,
transport access, accommodation and so on. This impact will be on either
or both of:
o Areas not currently used by humans, with effects on
wildlife and biodiversity, and
o Areas in use, including for other livelihoods such as low
scale animal production.
Decisions regarding the benefits of mining projects must be based on
available information, legislation, consultation and early social and
environmental impact assessment. NGOs and other organizations support
communities and have extensive experience in collecting, systematizing
and analysing information on mining activities and their impacts on
different regions of the planet, although, unfortunately, data are often
collected only after the damage is done.
In response to number three of the key questions we believe that mining
companies have a duty to safe guard the environmental and social aspects
of mining that goes beyond the current standards of being a corporate
citizen.
As mentioned by the panelists and several delegates, governance is a major
issue with mining. I suggest that this issue of responsibility is not limited to
governments, but extends to the companies as well. If companies are
unable to safeguard the environment and social aspects, and operate in an
open and transparent manner, then it is questionable whether they should
be in operation at all.
Mining companies that are capable of safeguarding the environment and
communities need to conduct Environmental impact assessments that
include not only the effect on environment, but also on the workers, the
communities, landscape, cultural heritage, biodiversity, and animal welfare.
We wish to endorse the interventions made by other delegates on this
aspect.
As a way forward International and national policy and legislation must be
developed to ensure that priority is given to human rights such as the
production of food, clean water, a healthy environment and security, rather
than to mining interests and profits. Additionally, mechanisms supporting
alternative economic activities must be developed
In conclusion, we suggest a way forward that is sustainable; holds mining
companies responsible for their actions and abilities; that Environmental
impact assessments, and international and national laws are inclusive to
realities of people, workers, animals, and the environment; and that these
discussions take on a holistic approach, that considers the 3 Es:
Environment, Economics, And Ethics.
Thank you.