Mining and sustainable development

Leon Gerber (Lead / Corresponding author), Francesco Sindico

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter (peer-reviewed)peer-review

    Abstract

    This chapter critically assesses the role that mining and minerals have in the wider context of sustainable development. In particular, we assess the role of law (and of international law in particular) in balancing the economic interests of the mining activity, with the requirements of social justice and environmental protection. The starting point for discussion lies in the recognition of the fact that mining and minerals are present in only two brief paragraphs within the final outcome of the Rio+20 process document. We also assess the pre- and post-Rio+20 processes to determine the extent to which the debate around minerals and mining has been present in the negotiations prior to Rio. The chapter touches upon a selection of contemporary issues affecting the contribution of mining to sustainable developing, including effective post-mining closure regulation, means to enhance transparency and accountability and, ways to prevent illicit activities funded through mining activities; and the emergence of the social license and climate change debates.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationEnvironmental protection and sustainable development from Rio to Rio+20
    Subtitle of host publicationProtection de l’environnement et développement durable de Rio à Rio+20
    EditorsMalgosia Fitzmaurice, Sandrine Maljean-Dubois, Stefania Negri
    Place of PublicationLeiden
    PublisherBrill Academic Publishers
    Pages334-352
    Number of pages19
    ISBN (Electronic)9789004282919
    ISBN (Print)9789004282902
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2014

    Publication series

    Name Queen Mary studies in international law
    Publisher Brill | Nijhoff
    Volume15
    ISSN (Print)1877-4822

    Keywords

    • Mining industry
    • Mineral resources
    • Rio+20
    • Mine closure
    • Conflict minerals
    • Transparency
    • Accountability
    • International law
    • Sustainable development

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