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Volume 20 No°4 -
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Volume 20 No.4
October - December 1997
Pages: 91 pages
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Environmental Management in the Service Industries
- Editorials
- Mining - Facts and Figures
- Sustainable development and the evolving agenda for environmental protection in the mining industry – by Barry Carbon
- Mining and sustainable development: environmental policies and programmes of mining industry associations – by C. George Miller
- Environmental Management Systems for mining companies
- Adapted and reprinted from Best Practice in Environmental Management
in Mining
- Environmental systems in Amcoal – by H.C.Vzn Zyl
- Environmental considerations in mine closure planning – by Geoff Ricks
- Mining and the environment: driving forces for change – by John A. Cordes
- Mining and the environment: the economic agenda – by Olle Ostensson
- The social agenda in mine development – by Janet M.
Epps
- Balancing community concerns and industry requirements - the regulators' challenge- by Hugh Jones
- The contribution of new technology to improved environmental performance in the mining industry – by Andrew S. Parsons and Howard R. Hume
- Ghana: the evolution of environmental regulations in mining – by Peter C.Acquah
- Environmental assessment of mining technologies
- Small-scale mining: how to combine development with low environmental
impact – by John Hollaway
- UNECA Centres: a way to reduce mercury emissions from artisinal gold mining and provide badly needed training – by Marcello M. Veiga and Christian Beinhoff
- Environnement minier : résidus de l'industrie minière et alternatives de valorisation – by G. Morizot, H. Lesueur and H.Zeegers
- Le retraitement des résidus sulfurés de KCC (Ouganda) : un procédé de biotraitement supprime un point noir écologique et contribue de façon significative (5%) et conomique à la production mondiale de cobalt - by Dominique Morin
- Tailings management: the use of cyanide at large gold mines and other issues
- Emergency preparedness at tailings dams
- Training implications for environmental management in mining
Other Topics - Autres sujets - Otros tópicos
- How a "city invisible from satellites" embarked on a path of sustainable development - by Yingjie Li
Newsletters - Bulletins - Boletines
- The APELL Newsletter N°16 (PDF - 79KB)
- Tourism Focus N°9
UNEP Industry and Environment Special Edition
- UNEP, GEF and the private sector: special edition prepared for the Global Environmental Facility
News - Actualités - Actualidades
- World News
- Industry Updates
- UNEP focus
- Books and reports
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- Feedback
Editorial
Mining: changing the focus for a sustainable future
Mining underpins industrial development. It is the economic basis - and one of the main influences on the way of life - of those regions where it takes place. Especially since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, man has searched the earth for minerals that are then processed and converted for purposes including energy provision. Today mining is of fundamental importance in the economy of a number of countries, both developed and developing.
Mining is a colossal industry: "More material is presently being stripped from the earth by this activity than by all of the natural erosion of the earth's rivers. Extraction of ores and smelting consume around one-tenth of all of the energy used in the world, and mining wastes, measured in billions of tonnes, dwarf all other accumulated sources." 1 In some countries, those engaged in small-scale and artisanal mining greatly outnumber the employees of larger mining operations.
Activity on this scale has serious consequences for the environment - locally and globally. Mining has destroyed natural habitats, polluted the air, soil and water, and produced enormous amounts of waste that can have environmental impacts for decades after mine closure. It has disrupted or uprooted whole communities and left a legacy of abandoned sites. Small-scale mining, in addition to its other environmental effects, has often been responsible for mercury contamination and poisoning.
Until recently, environmental impacts were not given great importance by mining companies and few regulations needed to be complied with. Although environmental concerns are now increasingly integrated in the planning and operation of mines, many operations, particularly in developing countries, still need to be upgraded in order to meet current expectations of environmental responsibility.
The mining industry is changing rapidly in response to pressures that include globalization of trade in minerals, company restructuring, greater shareholder influence on companies' policies, and improvements in both technology and management. The need to respond to environmental challenges is another powerful force for change. Some of these challenges are related to local impacts, while others concern global environmental issues such as climate change.
Public awareness of mining's environmental effects is reflected in the controversy over cyanide use in mineral extraction (following a series of accidents) and the cancellation of several mining projects near Yellowstone National Park in the United States. When companies apply for licences and permits, they must now often work with local communities as well as public authorities. These companies are discovering that a good environmental image and track record are an advantage and that a bad reputation is definitely a liability.
The positive image of mining disseminated by the industry, as a source of wealth and employment, has been challenged by NGOs and others. The extent of environmental and social damage mining operations can cause has been widely publicized. Growing public interest in their activities, and the adoption of new regulations, are obliging companies to give more attention to environmental performance. Moreover, accidents in developing countries have helped bring about a realization within the industry of the need to improve safety everywhere.
Although technological improvements may now be motivated to some extent by the need to present a better environmental image, they are basically carried out in order to improve process efficiency. Energy savings, waste reduction, and other benefits of technological changes nevertheless improve environmental performance (and a company's environmental image) while significantly improving profitability.
The technology now exists to eliminate or reduce most of mining's environmental impacts. However, if progress is to continue to be made, decision-making cannot be based solely on technological or economic considerations. In many other industries the focus is changing from merely choosing the right remediation and de-pollution technologies to adopting management approaches that address the entire environmental agenda. Environmental management systems (increasingly formalized through EMAS and ISO 14000 certification) can establish a framework for coordinating environmental actions. So far in the mining industry, such management systems have only been used in a few major companies with strong international profiles. One of the challenges facing the industry is to ensure that these management concepts are familiar to (and used by) smaller companies as well as suppliers, contractors and consultants.
Looking beyond site-specific considerations, there is still insufficient awareness in the industry as a whole of the impacts of its activities on the global environment. Despite the very large amounts of energy used in mining and smelting, organized industry-wide energy efficiency programmes are only just beginning to emerge, timidly, in a few countries. Those involved in mining, both directly and in professional institutions, need to understand that global issues such as climate change and biodiversity require a coordinated response from their industry. As part of this response, the industry needs to increase sector awareness and develop a sector "ethic" - in other words, embrace the concept of "responsible entrepreneurship" being discussed at the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) and acknowledge its stewardship role in regard to the management and use of natural resources.
Responsible entrepreneurship in the mining industry will entail the development of both environmental goals and the mechanisms for achieving them. Companies must therefore be prepared to enter into consultative partnerships and to work with governments, and with international and other bodies, that are addressing environmental and social issues. They may also need to establish links with interest groups, some of which may once have been perceived as unsympathetic or hostile to their industry.
At present, there is no global forum in which strategic and long-term issues of general relevance to the mining industry can be discussed. A start was made in 1994 when UNEP, the International Council on Metals and the Environment (ICME), the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the World Bank organized a high-level conference in Washington, D.C. that brought together major stakeholders. A regular forum of this type could help speed up needed consensus building on responsible entrepreneurship, environmental targets, and more flexible control regimes.
There is also a need to encourage and improve information exchanges on a variety of policy and technical issues. Many mining personnel and government officials have difficulty locating the practical guidance they need to make day-to-day decisions. Truly global, open and neutral information systems are hard to find. There is at present no international database of technologies, register of relevant standards and regulations, or source of up-to-date information on how to use environmental tools. One response to this situation is the joint UNEP/UNCTAD Minerals Resource Forum (MRF) site, 2 which is designed to facilitate free exchange of environmental information. The MRF is expected to come on line in the first half of 1998. It will be freely accessible to all interested parties, who will be able to access and enter (upload) information. The MRF site is only one response. There is undoubtedly a need for more such initiatives.
In addition to improved information exchange, there remains a need for consensus within the industry - and among industry, governments and international bodies. Much work remains to be done, for example, on land use, aboriginal rights, post-closure rehabilitation, product stewardship, responsibility for orphan sites, submarine tailings disposal, and the status of small-scale (and artisanal) mining. Some important issues have not only been identified but are being addressed, However, action on others has been more hesitant. In some cases the way to proceed is unclear even within the industry.
The articles presented here are concerned with the development of solutions rather than with closely examining mining technologies or environmental impacts. While we fully recognize and support the efforts already made by some in the industry, it is clear that more work is needed. The time has come to take stock, and to move on.
The non-renewable nature of mineral resources has led to much speculation on the significance of the sustainable development concept in regard to mining. The industry itself has often emphasized the recyclability of metal and other mineral products. It is our hope that this issue of Industry and Environment, which is focused on mining and sustainable development, will contribute to efforts by the mining industry and others to make that industry a major contributor to sustainable development.
1. Worldwatch Paper 109: Mining the Earth, 1991.
Sustainable development and the evolving agenda for environmental protection in the mining industry
Barry Carbon, consultant, former Head of Australian EPA, 188 Empire Avenue, Wembley Downs, Western Australia 6019, Australia
Abstract
To implement even the most widely accepted principles of environmental protection, appropriate governmental and industry structures are needed. Examples relevant to the mining industry are given. Despite improved performance, the mining industry needs to take further steps to fully embrace the concept of sustainable development. Most important is the commitment to "do the right thing", which has often been a motivating factor in the past.
Résumé
Pour mettre en œuvre les principes de protection de l'environnement, même ceux qui sont les plus largement admis, il faut des structures gouvernementales et industrielles appropriées. L'auteur cite des exemples dans le secteur de l'exploitation minière qui, malgré de meilleures performances, a encore des progrès à faire pour appliquer dans sa totalité le concept de développement durable. Le plus important est la volonté de « faire ce qu'il faut », qui a souvent été une force d'impulsion dans le passé.
Resumen
Para lograr la aplicación aun de los principios de protección ambiental más básicos y reconocidos, se requiere una infraestructura gubernamental e industrial adecuada. En este artículo se ofrecen ejemplos que conciernen a la industria minera. A pesar de los avances realizados, este sector industrial necesita de un esfuerzo adicional para alinearse con el concepto de desarrollo sostenible. Resulta fundamental adherirse al compromiso de acatar "las directrices correctas", compromiso que ya ha servido para marcar pautas de comportamiento en el pasado.
Mining and sustainable development: environmental policies and programmes of mining industry associations
C. George Miller, former President, Mining Association of Canada, 1105-350 Sparks Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1R 7S8, Canada
Abstract
Mining industry policies and practices have evolved rapidly in the environmental area, and more recently in the social area as well. Mining industry associations are using a variety of methods to stimulate and assist their member companies as they improve their environmental, social and economic performance. These associations provide opportunities for companies to use collaborative approaches in developing and applying improved technology, systems and practices.
Résumé
Les politiques et pratiques d'exploitation minière ont évolué rapidement du point de vue de l'environnement et, plus récemment, du point de vue social. Les associations professionnelles s'efforcent, par divers moyens, de stimuler et d'aider leurs membres à améliorer leurs performances environnementales, sociales et économiques. Elles leur proposent des stratégies de collaboration pour mettre au point et en application des technologies, systèmes et pratiques écologiquement plus rationnels.
Resumen
La industria minera ha experimentado una rápida evolución, tanto de índole normativa como práctica, en el ámbito medioambiental, que comienza ahora a manifestarse también en el ámbito social. Las asociaciones industriales del sector se sirven de una amplia gama de métodos para estimular y secundar a la empresa en la optimización de su eficacia medioambiental, social y económica. Las asociaciones ofrecen a las empresas la oportunidad de emplear un enfoque cooperativo en el desarrollo y la aplicación de la tecnología, los sistemas y las prácticas más avanzadas.
Environmental Management Systems for mining companies
Adapted and reprinted from Best Practice in Environmental Management in Mining, Environmental Protection Agency, * Australia, 1995
Abstract
The Environmental Management System concept is relatively new, and there are not yet many examples of its use in the mining industry. Based on ISO 14000, some important considerations are outlined with regard to establishing and maintaining an EMS that can potentially address all company and site activities, from exploration to post-closure monitoring.
Résumé
Du fait que le concept de système de gestion de l'environnement est relativement récent, les exemples d'application dans l'industrie minière sont encore rares. La norme ISO 14000, qui sert ici de référence, met en avant certaines considérations importantes ayant trait à la mise en place et à la gestion d'un système potentiellement capable d'embrasser toutes les activités de l'entreprise et du site d'exploitation, de l'exploration jusqu'au suivi après la fermeture des mines.
Resumen
El concepto de Sistema de Gestión Medioambiental (SGM) es aun relativamente reciente y su aplicación en la industria minera todavía no ha dado muchos frutos. En este artículo se desarrollan ideas importantes basadas en la norma ISO 14000 y relativas a la implantación y el mantenimiento de SGM aplicables en potencia a todo tipo de empresas y de actividades del sector, desde la exploración hasta la monitorización tras la clausura.
*For more information, visit the Internet site: http://www.erin.gov.au/ibrary/pubs/publications.html
Environmental considerations in mine closure planning
Geoff Ricks, Steffen, Robertson and Kirsten, Summit House, 9/10 Windsor Place, Cardiff, United Kingdom
Abstract
Mine closure planning considers the best ways to plan and manage the environmental changes and socio-economic effects associated with the closing of mines. While the criteria for judging successful closures may vary, it is particularly important for physical, chemical and biological stability to be achieved and for final land use to be appropriate. Trust funds are increasingly favoured as a practical means of fulfilling the requirement for a financial surety and of ensuring that financial provision is available at the end of the mine's life.
Résumé
La programmation de la fermeture des mines permet d'étudier les meilleures solutions pour prévoir et gérer les modifications environnementales et les effets socio-économiques qui en résultent. Si les critères permettant d'apprécier la réussite de cette opération peuvent varier, il est particulièrement important de parvenir à une stabilité physique, chimique et biologique, et de trouver une utilisation appropriée du sol. Les fonds d'affectation spéciaux sont de plus en plus privilégiés pour satisfaire aux exigences de sûreté de financement et pour garantir la disponibilité de moyens financiers quand la mine arrive en fin de vie.
Resumen
Los planes de cierre de minas tienen en cuenta las mejores opciones en la planificación y gestión de las repercusiones medioambientales y socioeconómicas de estas medidas. Aun cuando la previsión de los beneficios del cierre está sujeta a criterios muy variables, resulta indispensable tanto para lograr la estabilidad física, química y biológica como para la explotación óptima del terreno. Para ello, se prefiere la creación de fondos fiduciarios, como el medio más adecuado de consolidar la seguridad financiera que esta actividad exige y para asegurarse una reserva económica al cierre de la mina.
Mining and the environment: driving forces for change
John A. Cordes, Director, Institute for Global Resource Policy and Management, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado, 80401-1887, USA
Abstract
Public perceptions of the mining industry and its environmental, economic and socio-cultural impacts are of basic importance with regard to the development of regulations and of company strategies. Identifying those public attitudes (expressed either formally or informally) that will become widespread forces for change can be difficult, as can choosing the correct response. There is a need for the industry as a whole to define generally applicable social and environmental principles.
Résumé
La manière dont le public perçoit l'industrie minière et ses impacts environnementaux, économiques et socioculturels revêt une importance fondamentale au regard de l'élaboration des règlements et stratégies d'entreprises. Mais il peut être difficile de discerner les attitudes du public (qu'elles soient exprimées de manière officielle ou informelle) qui deviendront des forces de changement, et de choisir une réponse adaptée. Il faut que l'ensemble de l'industrie définisse des principes environnementaux et sociaux applicables par tous.
Resumen
La opinión que la industria minera y sus repercusiones medioambientales, económicas y socioculturales merece a la opinión pública, resulta fundamental para la formulación de normativas y de estrategias empresariales. Recoger dicha opinión (formal o no), capaz de dar origen a futuras transformaciones, puede resultar tan difícil como decidir de la modalidad de acción apropiada. La industria en su conjunto tiene que definir las pautas sociales y medioambientales que la comunidad habrá de aplicar.
Mining and the environment: the economic agenda
Olle Ostensson, International Trade and Commodities Division,
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), *
Palais des Nations, CH-1211, Geneva 10, Switzerland
Abstract
Minerals and metals use is growing at a rate that equals or slightly exceeds global GDP. Environmental impacts do not have to increase at the same rate as minerals mining and processing. Improved environmental management has already reduced the negative effects of minerals production, and prospects are good for significant reductions in the future. Decisions concerning mining and the environment should, however, be based on realistic estimates of the related costs.
Résumé
L'utilisation des minerais et des métaux s'accroît à un taux égal ou légèrement supérieur au PIB mondial. Ce n'est pas une raison pour que ses impacts sur l'environnement augmentent au même rythme que l'extraction et le traitement des minerais. Une meilleure gestion de l'environnement a déjà permis de réduire les effets néfastes de la production minière, mais il semblerait que l'on puisse faire encore beaucoup mieux dans l'avenir. Toute décision concernant l'activité minière et l'environnement doit cependant être fondée sur des estimations réalistes des coûts impliqués.
Resumen
El índice de uso de minerales y metales equivale o excede ligeramente a la tasa de crecimiento del PIB mundial. Debemos evitar que las repercusiones medioambientales aumenten al mismo ritmo que la explotación minera y la transformación de minerales. Una gestión medioambiental apropiada ha reducido ya las consecuencias perniciosas de la minería, y hay buenas perspectivas de que disminuyan aun más en el futuro. Pero ha de tenerse en cuenta que las decisiones referentes a la minería y el medio ambiente han de basarse en estimaciones realistas del coste que implican.
* The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the UNCTAD Secretariat.
The social agenda in mine development
Janet M. Epps, Director, Environmental Management Consultants International, PO Box 367, Cremorne, NSW, 2090, Australia
Abstract
Today even remote communities are likely to be aware that they have the right to benefit from (or to defend themselves against) the exploitation of local natural resources and accompanying economic and social changes. Among other concerns, these communities want reassurance that environmental impacts will be minimized. Examples are given of mining company programmes aimed at more socially responsible development
Résumé
A notre époque, il y a de grandes chances pour que même les communautés humaines les plus reculées soient conscientes de leur droit de tirer profit de l'exploitation des ressources naturelles locales et des changements économiques et sociaux qu'elle induit - ou de s'en protéger. Elles veulent, notamment, avoir la garantie que les impacts sur l'environnement seront réduits le plus possible. L'auteur donne des exemples de programmes élaborés par des entreprises d'exploitation minière ayant pour objectif un développement socialement plus responsable.
Resumen
Hoy en día, hasta las comunidades más remotas están al tanto de su derecho a beneficiarse de (o protegerse contra) la explotación de sus recursos naturales y los cambios económicos y sociales que ésta entraña. Una de sus mayores preocupaciones es reducir al mínimo el impacto medioambiental subsiguiente. Se ofrecen ejemplos de programas de empresas mineras que favorecen un desarrollo que amortigua las repercusiones sociales.
The contribution of new technology to improved environmental performance in the mining industry
Andrew S. Parsons, Chamber of Mines of South Africa, P.O. Box 61809, Marshalltown, 2107, South Africa
Howard R. Hume, Steffen, Robertson and Kirsten, 7175 W. Jefferson
Avenue, Suite 3000, Lakewood, Colorado 80235, USA
(formerly with Chamber of Mines of South Africa)
Abstract
The contribution of new technology (and of technology under development) to improved environmental performance in mining, mineral processing, and disposal of mining wastes is described. While the emphasis of the article is on developments in South Africa, the examples are of more general interest and application.
Résumé
L'article décrit la contribution des nouvelles technologies (et de celles qui sont en cours de développement) à l'amélioration des performances environnementales dans le domaine de l'exploitation minière, du traitement des minerais et de l'élimination des déchets miniers. Si l'article évoque principalement le cas de l'Afrique du Sud, les exemples donnés présentent un intérêt et des possibilités d'application d'ordre plus général.
Resumen
Se describe la contribución de las nuevas tecnologías (y de las tecnologías en elaboración) a las mejoras medioambientales en la minería, la transformación de minerales y la eliminación de desechos. Aunque el artículo hace hincapié en los avances obtenidos en Suráfrica, los ejemplos que ofrece abarcan un espectro mucho más amplio y son de interés y aplicación general.
Small-scale mining: how to combine development with low environmental impact
John Hollaway, small mines consultant, PO Box 5438, Harare, Zimbabwe
Abstract
The only sure way to contain the environmental effects of small-scale mining is for the governments concerned to accept small-scale mining as a valid part of an integrated, tenured local mining sector, with the same environmental rights and obligations as larger operations. During the last decade there have been proposals from development agencies and others to address small-scale (including artisinal) mining as part of the overall development agenda.
Résumé
Le seul moyen sûr, pour les gouvernements, de limiter les effets de l'exploitation minière artisanale sur l'environnement, est de considérer cette activité comme un élément à part entière d'un secteur minier local intégré, soumis aux mêmes droits et obligations environnementaux que l'exploitation industrielle. Ces dix dernières années, plusieurs agences de développement et d'autres organismes ont fait des propositions pour que la question de l'exploitation minière artisanale soit abordée dans le cadre du programme général de développement.
Resumen
El único modo seguro de evitar las repercusiones medioambientales de la explotación minera en pequeña escala, consiste en que los gobiernos tomen conciencia de que esta actividad forma parte de un sector local integrado y consolidado, y tiene las mismas prerrogativas y obligaciones medioambientales que la minería en mayor escala. A lo largo de la última década, diversas agencias de desarrollo y otros organismos han propuesto que se incluya a la minería en pequeña escala (así como la artesanal) en las previsiones de desarrollo.
UNECA Centres: a way to reduce mercury emissions from artisinal gold mining and provide badly needed training
Marcello M. Veiga, * Department
of Mining and Mineral Process Engineering, University of British Columbia,
517D - 6350 Stores Road, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4 Canada
Christian Beinhoff, UNIDO-ISED, United Nations Industrial Development Organization, P.O. Box 300, A-1400 Vienna, Austria
Abstract
The concept of "UNECA" (UNit of gold Extraction and Controlled Amalgamation) Centres was developed by UNIDO and a private Venezuelan company. It is based on the Amalgamation Centres introduced by the Venezuelan government in the early 1990s. UNECA Centres could provide artisinal miners with safe gold extraction services and with various types of training. Information on mining's health and environmental effects (in particular, the need to avoid mercury vapour inhalation and consumption of mercury-contaminated fish) could be disseminated through these Centres to miners and their families.
Résumé
Les centres « UNECA » (UNit of gold Extraction and Controlled Amalgamation) sont un concept élaboré conjointement par l'ONUDI et une entreprise vénézuélienne privée, qui s'inspire des Centres d'amalgamation mis en place par le gouvernement vénézuélien au début des années 1990. Ils auront pour mission de proposer aux mineurs artisanaux des services sûrs d'extraction de l'or et diverses formations. Ils permettront également de diffuser, à l'intention des mineurs et de leurs familles, des informations sur les conséquences des activités minières sur la santé et l'environnement (en particulier l'impératif d'éviter d'inhaler des vapeurs de mercure et de consommer du poisson contaminé par le mercure).
Resumen
El concepto de
Centro "UNECA" (Unidad de Extracción de oro y de Amalgama Controlada)
se debe a la UNIDO y a una compañía privada venezolana. Sus precursores
son los Centros de Amalgama creados por el Gobierno de Venezuela a principios
de los años noventa. Los centros UNECA ofrecen servicios seguros de extracción
de oro a los mineros artesanales, así como diversos tipos de formación.
Estos centros pueden informar a los mineros y sus familias acerca de la
salud en la minería y las repercusiones medioambientales de esta actividad
(prestando especial atención a la inhalación de vapores de mercurio y
al consumo de pescado contaminado con este metal).
* Marcello M. Veiga is also a consultant
to UNIDO
Environnement minier : résidus de l'industrie minière et alternatives de valorisation
G. Morizot, chargé de mission, GMI, BRGM,
H. Lesueur, ingénieur de Recherche, SMN, BRGM,
H. Zeegers, Directeur, GMI, BRGM, BP 6009, F-45060, Orléans Cedex 2, France
Résumé
Le traitement ou retraitement des résidus miniers est une des options possibles pour résoudre les problèmes de pollution liés à l'exploitation des mines. Le retraitement qui implique le plus souvent une reprise des résidus vise à séparer des minéraux à valeur marchande ou, au contraire, les minéraux possédant le plus grand pouvoir polluant (en particulier par la génération de solutions acides chargées en métaux lourds). Il ne doit pas se limiter au cas où son coût est entièrement couvert par les recettes de commercialisation des produits extraits. En effet un tel retraitement peut aussi diminuer le coût global de mise en sécurité des résidus miniers et de protection des populations, souvent très élevé pour des régions dont le passé minier est riche. Tout moyen de réduire ce coût ou d'apporter une recette participant à son financement sera donc bienvenue. En définitive, il apparaît du ressort des autorités administratives de considérer le problème d'environnement minier dans sa globalité et de favoriser les solutions qui permettent la banalisation des résidus débarrassés de leurs éléments polluants et la mise à profit des recettes possibles.
Abstract
Waste reprocessing is one way to solve pollution problems related to mining. The purpose of reprocessing, which generally begins with waste collection, is to separate out valuable minerals from highly polluting ones (especially those which generate acid solutions containing concentrations of heavy metals). Reprocessing should not be limited to instances in which it is directly paid for through sales of reprocessed materials. It can also reduce the overall costs of confining wastes and protecting the potentially affected public. These costs are often very high in regions where there has been a significant amount of mining in the past. Any means of reducing the costs of safety measures, or helping pay for them, would therefore be welcome. Public authorities should consider the environmental problems of the industry in their entirety and support solutions that permit the removal of pollutants from mining wastes and the sale of as much of the remainder as possible for profit.
Resumen
El reciclado o la reutilización de los residuos mineros podría ser la solución adecuada para el problema de la contaminación causada por la explotación minera. La reutilización, que en la mayoría de los casos implica la recogida de los residuos, sirve para separar el mineral con valor comercial del que contiene más agentes contaminantes (susceptibles de generar soluciones ácidas, ricas en metales pesados). Esta selección no debe limitarse a los casos en que la comercialización de los productos extraidos cubran todos los costes del tratamiento. De hecho, este tipo de práctica reduce considerablemente el coste global de la seguridad en el tratamiento de residuos y de la protección de la población, que suele ser muy elevado en las regiones de importante tradición minera. Lo que se procura por todos los medios es reducir este coste, o lograr posibles fuentes de financiación. En definitiva, corresponde a las autoridades administrativas hacerse cargo de este problema medioambiental y encontrar la solución adecuada para minimizar los residuos, previa eliminación de los agentes contaminantes, de la forma más económica posible.
How a "city invisible from satellites" embarked on a path of sustainable development
Yingjie Li, Mayor of Benxi City, N° 18 Renmin Road, Benxi 117000, Liaoning, China
Abstract
The city of Benxi used to be called a "city invisible from satellites" because of its severe atmospheric pollution. At the end of the 1980s, a Seven Year Plan for Environmental Rehabilitation was implemented. The city's industry was restructured and ecological agriculture was expanded. In 1996, Benxi's municipal government drafted China's first Local Agenda 21. Benxi's experience shows that cleaner production is the only way a city with heavy industry can eliminate pollution.
Résumé
On avait l'habitude de dire que la ville de Benxi était invisible des satellites, à cause de son degré de pollution atmosphérique. A la fin des années 1980, un plan septennal d'assainissement prévoyant la restructuration des industries de la ville et le développement de l'agriculture écologique a été mis en œuvre. En 1996, le conseil municipal de Benxi a rédigé la première version locale chinoise d'Action 21. L'exemple de cette ville montre que produire plus propre est le seul moyen, pour les villes où des industries lourdes sont implantées, de supprimer la pollution.
Resumen
A la ciudad de Benxi, la contaminación atmosférica le valió el apodo de "la ciudad invisible para los satélites". Por esta razón, a finales de los ochenta, se diseñó para ella un Plan de rehabilitación medioambiental de siete años mediante el cual se restructuró la industria y se expandió la producción agrícola ecológica. En 1996, las autoridades municipales redactaron la Agenda Local 21, la primera de este tipo en China. Esta experiencia demuestra la eficacia de la Producción Más Limpia, en la descontaminación de las zonas urbanas altamente industrializadas
