Press Release: Commission sets out plans for sustainable development of EU non-energy mining industry extractive industry and sustainable development

On 3.5.00, the European Commission adopted a Communication on the promotion of sustainable development in the EU mining non-energy extractive industry. The Commission stressed the need for improved dialogue and co-operation among all stakeholders in the EU in order to achieve sustainable development. The Communication identified key issues that must be addressed at local, regional, national and European levels through a coherent Community policy. Specific environmental priorities are the prevention of mining accidents, improvement of the industry's overall environmental performance and sound management of mining waste. The Council of Industry Ministers plans to have a first exchange of views on these issues at its meeting on 18.5.00.