Environmental risk of mining - Environmental Deterioration and Contamination: Problems and their Management - page 126

Figure 5.5 Village houses after the flood (left) and candles for the dead (right).

7 TOWARDS MORE SUSTAINABLE MINING

Since we are faced with countless problems associated with former, current and future
mining activities the approaches to and the indicators of sustainable mining are impor-
tant issues. In reference to sustainability the overall process of developing a mine
with the future uses of the land in mind has to meet the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Closure and
reclamation of the mine site has become a necessary part of the mine life cycle because
of the demands of society for a cleaner environment and stricter laws regulating the
abandonment of a mine. Today the assessment and management of former mining
residues, abandoned mining sites, mine waste landfills and other deposits represent
the first steps towards sustainable mining in many countries and regions of the world.
The mining industry has a great disadvantage at the outset as concerns the envi-
ronmental and socio-economic balances and an evaluation of sustainability mainly
because mining entails the exploitation of nonrenewable resources. Several leading
mining corporations in the world have initiated and put in place guidelines, plans or
programs to support sustainability in the mining industry. Some examples are given
below.
The Johannesburg Plan of Implementation (JPOI, 2002) dealing with mining in
Chapter IV para. 46 stated: “Mining, minerals and metals are important to the eco-
nomic and social development of many countries. Minerals are essential for modern
living''. The document identifies three priority areas:

- Addressing the environmental, economic, health and social impacts and benefits

of mining throughout its life cycle, including workers' health and safety;

- Enhancing the participation of stakeholders, including local and indigenous

communities and women;

- Fostering sustainable mining practices through the provision of financial, technical

and capacity-building support.