NEWS

31.10.11
“Intelligent” mining key driver of green economy, says UN report

As the world welcomes its 7 billionth child, natural resource management has been placed at the forefront of the global sustainability agenda.

The UN Population Fund report The State of World Population 2011 has called for more intelligent approaches to resource use – encouraging the development of a green economy that would not only forge economic growth but also help eradicate poverty.

Earlier this year the first substantive report of the UN International Resource Panel also highlighted the need for separating economic growth from environmental destruction.

Mining is a critical in economic terms for millions of the world’s poorest people. ICMM research has identified 50 economies – many with high poverty levels – that have relied extensively on mining for their development.

ICMM members have committed to both promote socio-economic development outcomes and protect the environment.

The role of the private sector was recently highlighted in a paper by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development. Vision 2050 identified “the perfect storm we face, of environment, population, resources and economy” while observing that the pathway to sustainability “contains opportunities and risks, and will radically change the ways in which companies do business”.

News home

RELATED PUBLICATIONS

Minerals and Metals Management 2020
Read more
Download PDF

RELATED LINKS

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK

Principle 04:

Implement risk management strategies based on valid data and sound science.

Principle 08:

Facilitate and encourage responsible product design, use, re-use, recycling and disposal of our products.

© International Council on Mining and Metals 2011 │Terms and Conditions │Privacy Policy