Mining and Green Growth in the EECCA Region

Foreword and Acknowledgements
Executive summary
	Mining has significant environmental impacts that stretch beyond the life of a mine
	Technology trends on sustainability in the mining sector
	Developing the connections between the green economy and the mining sector
	Key recommendations
	Notes
1.  Mining, sustainability and the EECCA region
	1.1. Introduction
	1.2. Environmental impacts of the mining sector
		1.2.1. Impacts on water, air and soil
		1.2.2. Impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem integrity
		1.2.3. Mining, climate change and GHG emissions
	1.3. Sustainability trends in the mining sector
	1.4. Mining in the EECCA region: Centrality, challenges and opportunities
	1.5. Building on the foundations of ongoing OECD and GREEN Action Taskforce work
	1.6. Ongoing work at the international level is driving forward the discussion
		1.6.1. The Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2030
		1.6.2. United Nations Framework Classification
		1.6.3. The Aarhus Convention
		1.6.4. The Minamata Convention
		1.6.5. The Espoo Convention
		1.6.6. Convention on the Transboundary Effects of Industrial Accidents
		1.6.7. UNECE’s Environmental Policy Reviews
	Notes
	References
2.  The impact of technology on sustainability in the mining sector
	2.1. Introduction
	2.2. How technology is affecting mining operations
		2.2.1. Automation
		2.2.2. Electrification
		2.2.3. Renewable energy
		2.2.4. Digitalisation
	2.3. How new technology is driving demand for different minerals
	References
3.  Connecting the mining sector to the green economy
	3.1. Introduction
	3.2. Government co-ordination and strategy
	3.3. Stakeholder engagement and transparency
	3.4. Regulatory tools
		3.4.1. Exploration
		3.4.2. Mine approval and operation
			Permitting and ensuring environmental compliance
		3.4.3. Mine closure, site rehabilitation and biodiversity offsets
		3.4.4. Orphaned mine sites
		3.4.5. Reprocessing non-operational mine sites
	3.5. Innovation and capacity building
		3.5.1. Innovation led by the public sector
		3.5.2. Facilitation of equipment upgrading
		3.5.3. Support for skills development and vocational training
	3.6. Developing linkages to other parts of the green economy
		3.6.1. Environmental services
		3.6.2. Green infrastructure
	3.7. The circular economy, mining and waste as resources
	3.8. Key recommendations
	Notes
	References