Press Release: Mining waste: Commission welcomes political agreement in the Council on new rules to prevent pollution and accidents

The European Commission welcomed the political agreement reached on 14 October 2004 by the Environment Council on a proposed Directive to minimise negative environmental effects of waste from the extractive industries (mining and quarrying). This waste can constitute a serious and long-lasting threat to the environment and human health if not properly managed. EU-wide rules shall aim to prevent water and soil pollution from the deposition of waste into heaps or ponds, the two common storage methods. Particular emphasis is put on the long-term stability of such waste facilities so that consequences from possible accidents are minimised. Together with the revised Seveso II Directive on the control of major industrial accidents, and a reference document on Best Available Techniques, the future Directive will ensure sound management of extractive waste throughout the EU.