2014年-世界发展银行全球_Sustainable_and_Strategic_Decision_Making_in_Mining_and_Enhancing_Environmental_and_Social_Sustainability_of_Mining___Executive_Summary_15页_1mb

Summary of Sustainable and Strategic Decision Making in Mining and Enhancing Environmental and Social Sustainability in Armenia

Core Content

The two thematic papers on the mining sector in Armenia, published in 2014, aim to guide policy makers, government officials, and industry stakeholders in promoting sustainable and strategic development of the mining industry. These papers emphasize the need for integrating environmental and social sustainability into mining decision-making processes, ensuring long-term economic benefits without compromising ecological and community well-being.

Main Points of the Papers

1. Mining in Armenia

• Armenia has significant mineral resources, particularly metals like copper, gold, silver, and molybdenum, as well as industrial minerals and non-metallic resources.
• In 2011, mining accounted for over 55% of total exports and contributed significantly to economic growth.
• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the mining sector increased sharply in 2012, driven by the expansion of existing mines.
• The industry has the potential to create jobs and improve infrastructure, but without proper sustainability frameworks, it can cause long-term environmental and social harm.

2. Environmental and Social Impacts of Mining

• Mining activities can lead to long-term environmental degradation, including water table disruption, land loss, and pollution.
• Social impacts include price inflation, overloading of public services, and health risks.
• Positive impacts include job creation, local business development, and improved infrastructure.

Key Recommendations

A) Sustainable and Strategic Decision Making in Mining

• Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) should be developed alongside a formal mining strategy to ensure long-term sustainability.
• Cumulative Impact Assessments (CIA) are necessary to evaluate the combined effects of multiple mining projects.
• The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) law needs to be revised to align with international standards, including better transparency and public participation.
• Transparency and accountability should be enhanced through mechanisms like the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).

B) Enhancing Environmental and Social Sustainability of Mining

• Tailings management is a critical area requiring improved practices, including minimizing physical footprint, controlling dust and leaching, and managing access.
• Environmental and social performance should be improved through the adoption of international best practices, such as life-cycle planning, closure planning, and environmental auditing.
• Legislation and policy reforms are essential to ensure that environmental charges and fees are used effectively for resource protection and community support.
• Community dialogue and information sharing should be strengthened to involve all stakeholders in decision-making and ensure accountability.

Challenges and Risks

• The "resource curse" risk is present if the government does not prioritize long-term sustainable development over short-term gains.
• Old and abandoned mines, especially tailings dams, pose environmental and social risks due to poor management and lack of remediation.
• Technological and regulatory gaps exist in managing environmental damage, particularly from chemical processes and acid mine drainage (AMD).

Strategic Actions and Priorities

Conclusion

The mining sector in Armenia has the potential to drive economic growth, but it must be managed in a way that balances development with environmental and social sustainability. The papers advocate for comprehensive reforms in policy, legislation, and governance, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning, transparency, and stakeholder engagement. Implementing these recommendations can help ensure that mining contributes positively to Armenia's long-term development and does not lead to environmental degradation or social harm.