Need a sustainable development framework for mining: Government

PANAJI: Mines Minister Dinsha Patel today emphasised upon the need to evolve a Sustainable Development Framework (SDF) within which all mineral development activities are carried out integrating economic, social and environmental components.

"One of the greatest challenges facing the mining sector today is integrating economic activity with environment integrity, social concerns and effective governance systems," Patel said during the 2-day conference on Sustainable Mining Practices organised by FICCI at Majorda village.

"The goal of this integration can be seen as more sustainable development," he added.

Patel, who could not be personally present for the conference due to the ongoing Parliamentary session, in his written speech, which was read at the event, said that there is a requirement of robust framework based on an agreed set of broad principles.

The minister said there should be an understanding of the key challenges facing the sector at different levels and in different regions and the action needed to meet or overcome them.

"In this context, it is necessary to evolve a sustainable development framework within which all mineral development activities are carried out integrating economic, social and environmental components," he said.

Patel said that for implementation of SDF, the ministry had appointed ERM India Private Limited as the consultant for preparing the draft Sustainable Framework Development Document.

"The consultant has prepared the draft report and suggested a framework for sustainable development in Indian mineral sector," he said.