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Thailand?s Intervention for
The Intergovernmental Preparation Meeting for CSD 19: Mining
Wednesday 2 February 2011
Mr. Chairman.
1. We associate ourselves with the statement by the Group of 77 and China.
2. Mining is significant to Thailand?s development. We have attached great
importance to environmental impact and geo-resource sustainability through
people participation process.
3. During the CSD 18, 3 key mining-related issues were identified: first, the
environmental degradation ; second, the lack of a national plan on mineral
resources; and third, the lack of knowledge on mining technology and long-term
impacts of mining.
4. In addressing the above gaps, we have implemented measures to increase
voluntary participation of key stakeholders in official campaigns, namely, the
?Starred Quarry Mining? and the ?Green Mining? labels launched in 2006 and
2009, respectively.
5. On national planning, the Royal Thai Government has issued the ?10-year
National Policy and Guidelines on Management of Mineral Resources (2011-
2020)?, which will pave the way for national action plan for sustainable mineral
resources management.
6. In addition, the Government recommended that all major mining projects
undergo a Strategic Environmental Assessment, that should be carried out prior to
the project-based Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Health Impact
Assessment (HIA) processes.
7. There are, of course, some areas where more work needs to be done, especially
capacity building of local communities in potential mining areas. The government
is stepping up efforts to further promote awareness of the local communities on
mining technology and the impacts from mining activities.
8. Controlling the demand for metals and mineral extracts is a difficult challenge.
His Majesty the King of Thailand?s ?Sufficiency Economy? philosophy is being
applied to achieve more efficient use of mineral resources. The said philosophy,
when properly applied, can prevent the over-exploitation of mineral resources.
Local communities will also be ?immunized? to the environmental and social
impacts of mining, while being better informed on mining technology.
9. In conclusion, Thailand has steadily made progress towards sustainable
development on mining issue. It may take several years to see successful results
but it is crucial that we take all necessary actions to make the most of the Green
Mining policy for the benefit of the Thai people and the global community.
Thank you.
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