Turkey
Thank you Madam Chair,
Distinguished delegates,
When managed properly, mining offers the opportunity to catalyze broad-based development
as it has done for centuries. However, the impact of rapidly increased mining activities on the
environment from mine prospecting until the end of the process varies depending on the
factors such as environment, type of mine, mining pit and mining techniques applied.
Sound management in mining requires strong legal and regulatory framework. In line with
the provisions of the Turkish Constitution, mines are under the authority and disposition of
the State and are not subject to private land ownership. The State may transfer this right to
real and legal entities for defined periods of time. Turkey?s Development Plan includes
policies of improving environmental awareness and sustainable development approach,
improving R&D infrastructure and increasing efficiency, improving the quality of working
environment.
Madam Chair,
Turkey is one of the few countries in the world which can satisfy an important share of its
raw material demand thanks to the diversity of its mine ores. Turkey attaches high priority to
sustainable mining within the context of its national sustainable development policies,
international commitments through the UN system and its national program for the EU
accession process.
In accordance with its sustainable development priorities, Turkey believes that one of the
most important aspects in mining is to minimize the environmental impact while reaching the
maximum production capacity. Therefore, environmental protection should be a legal
obligation rather than a voluntary measure.
Mining sector, by its nature, requires a labor intensive production system and has a specific
character with respect to risks it entails and is among the heavy and dangerous sectors which
require knowledge, experience, expertise and continuous supervision. There are many
ongoing works in this respect in many countries. However, more action is needed. Actions
including investing more in research and development of technologies that decrease the risks
workers face and technical education and trainings organized jointly by developed and
developing countries that promotes sound mining management practices should be given
priority.
In concluding Madam Chair, it is our expectation and hope that this Review session will pave
the road to a productive and successful policy development session next year.
Thank you.
Distinguished delegates,
When managed properly, mining offers the opportunity to catalyze broad-based development
as it has done for centuries. However, the impact of rapidly increased mining activities on the
environment from mine prospecting until the end of the process varies depending on the
factors such as environment, type of mine, mining pit and mining techniques applied.
Sound management in mining requires strong legal and regulatory framework. In line with
the provisions of the Turkish Constitution, mines are under the authority and disposition of
the State and are not subject to private land ownership. The State may transfer this right to
real and legal entities for defined periods of time. Turkey?s Development Plan includes
policies of improving environmental awareness and sustainable development approach,
improving R&D infrastructure and increasing efficiency, improving the quality of working
environment.
Madam Chair,
Turkey is one of the few countries in the world which can satisfy an important share of its
raw material demand thanks to the diversity of its mine ores. Turkey attaches high priority to
sustainable mining within the context of its national sustainable development policies,
international commitments through the UN system and its national program for the EU
accession process.
In accordance with its sustainable development priorities, Turkey believes that one of the
most important aspects in mining is to minimize the environmental impact while reaching the
maximum production capacity. Therefore, environmental protection should be a legal
obligation rather than a voluntary measure.
Mining sector, by its nature, requires a labor intensive production system and has a specific
character with respect to risks it entails and is among the heavy and dangerous sectors which
require knowledge, experience, expertise and continuous supervision. There are many
ongoing works in this respect in many countries. However, more action is needed. Actions
including investing more in research and development of technologies that decrease the risks
workers face and technical education and trainings organized jointly by developed and
developing countries that promotes sound mining management practices should be given
priority.
In concluding Madam Chair, it is our expectation and hope that this Review session will pave
the road to a productive and successful policy development session next year.
Thank you.
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