There is a growing recognition that the extractive sector, if well-managed, can play a positive role in promoting broad-based development and structural transformation of economies. In the context of the current global development agenda, the sector has direct links to a large number of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – specifically those relating to poverty eradication, decent work and economic growth, clean water and sanitation, life on land, sustainable and affordable energy, climate action, industry and infrastructure, as well as peace and justice. Mining generates significant revenue streams through taxes, royalties and dividends for governments to invest in economic and social development (Goal 1). Mining can help drive economic development and diversification through direct and indirect economic benefits, the development of new technologies and by spurring the construction of new infrastructure for transport, communications, water and energy (Goal 9). It can alter the lives of local communities, offering opportunities for jobs and training, while contributing to economic and social inequities if not appropriately managed (Goal 8). Moreover, mining requires access to land and water, which gives rise to significant and wide-ranging landscape impacts that must be managed responsibly (Goals 6 and 15). Mining activities are also energy- and emissions-intensive in terms of the production and downstream uses of mining products (Goals 7 and 13). Finally, mining can contribute to peaceful societies by avoiding and remedying company-community conflict, respecting human rights (including those of indigenous peoples) and by supporting the representative decision-making of citizens and communities in extractives development (Goal 16) (ibid).

Mineral resource governance in the 21st Century: Gearing extractive industries towards sustainable development

Resource Key: A2KBYC6S

Document Type: Report

Creator:

Author:

  • Elias T. Ayuk
  • Antonio M. Pedro
  • Paul Ekins

Creators Name: {mb_resource_zotero_creatorsname}

Place: Washington D.C.

Institution: UN Environment Programme

Date: 2020

Language:

There is a growing recognition that the extractive sector, if well-managed, can play a positive role in promoting broad-based development and structural transformation of economies. In the context of the current global development agenda, the sector has direct links to a large number of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – specifically those relating to poverty eradication, decent work and economic growth, clean water and sanitation, life on land, sustainable and affordable energy, climate action, industry and infrastructure, as well as peace and justice. Mining generates significant revenue streams through taxes, royalties and dividends for governments to invest in economic and social development (Goal 1). Mining can help drive economic development and diversification through direct and indirect economic benefits, the development of new technologies and by spurring the construction of new infrastructure for transport, communications, water and energy (Goal 9). It can alter the lives of local communities, offering opportunities for jobs and training, while contributing to economic and social inequities if not appropriately managed (Goal 8). Moreover, mining requires access to land and water, which gives rise to significant and wide-ranging landscape impacts that must be managed responsibly (Goals 6 and 15). Mining activities are also energy- and emissions-intensive in terms of the production and downstream uses of mining products (Goals 7 and 13). Finally, mining can contribute to peaceful societies by avoiding and remedying company-community conflict, respecting human rights (including those of indigenous peoples) and by supporting the representative decision-making of citizens and communities in extractives development (Goal 16) (ibid).

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