Sustainable Development : Mining and Metals Sectors

Abstract

The United Nations Conference on "Human held Envir-onment" in 1972 has changed our perception of devel-opment.It is now recognised that development should include not only the economic well-being but should also take into account the social and environmental welfare with the creation of appropriate institutional infra- structure. The evolution of such a sustainable develop-ment is discussed along with a brief report of the activities in India. The specific case of sustainable development of the mining and metals sector is consid- ered. The concept of sustainable development is of recent origin. However, it has now taken root and governments all over the globe are making sincere efforts to devise suitable methods and enact appropriate legislation to ensure sustainable development. This paper reviews the concepts, methods of implementation and indicators for sustainable development. In this context, the problems and the performance of mining and metallurgical sectors are then considered.