Sustainable Development and Minerals and Metals

(An Issues Paper)

Background

In 1987, the World Commission on Environment and Development released its report entitled Our Common Future (known as the Brundtland Report). The Brundtland Report defined sustainable development as "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." It was premised on the belief that people could "build a future that is more prosperous, more just, and more secure." This hope, however, was conditional on decisive political action to begin the process of change necessary to achieve the goal of sustainable development.

The Government has made a strong commitment to the implementation of sustainable development in its policy statement Creating Opportunity. This commitment has been reflected in a number of recent initiatives. For example, it has released A Guide to Green Government signed by all federal ministers. The Guide states that "All departments must become sustainable development departments, both in terms of their policies that influence the decisions of others, and in how they manage their internal operations... the Government recognizes that responsibility for sustainable development is shared across government and that each Minister is accountable for making measurable progress on sustainable development.

The Government has also undertaken to update the 1987 Mineral and Metal Policy of the Government of Canada. To assist the Government in meeting this objective, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) has developed this Issues Paper for discussion with stakeholders. The paper explains how sustainable development applies to minerals and metals, describes the key sustainable development challenges facing the industry, and proposes policy guidelines to incorporate the concept into federal decision-making related to these commodities.

The focus of the paper is on the application of the concept in the context of mineral exploration and the first two stages of mineral and metal production. It does not address broader concerns regarding material consumption by industrial countries, or issues specifically related to uranium and to greenhouse gases. Following public consultation, NRCan will develop, for consideration by Ministers, a new federal mineral and metal policy based on sustainable development. The policy will address, in a fiscally prudent manner, mineral- and metal-related environmental, social and economic issues that are within federal jurisdiction.

The Issues Paper - Foreword

In the foyer of the House of Commons is a mural that depicts some 25 000 years of Canadian history. Included in this story is the important role that natural resources industries have played in the development of this country, including the major contribution of the minerals and metals industry.

As is the case with all human activity, mineral resource development has an impact on our environment. All Canadians, through collaboration and partnership, need to address the dual challenge of ensuring the integrity and diversity of our natural environment while maintaining a healthy and productive economy. The Canadian minerals and metals industry recognizes its responsibilities and has made significant progress in responding to this challenge. However, more can and should be done.

In Creating Opportunity, the Government of Canada recognized that sustainable development should be integrated into how government defines its business and makes its decisions. In our Mining Agenda, we made a commitment to develop a sustainable development strategy for the minerals and metals industry. In our Guide to Green Government, we stated that sustainable development is not only a desirable goal, but also an essential element of public policy, and that all departments must become sustainable development departments. To engage with stakeholders on how the concept of sustainable development may be applied to minerals and metals, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) has prepared this Issues Paper.

The paper is premised on the belief that the key to making sustainable development a reality is to change the way we think and act - to integrate environmental, social and economic considerations from the outset in our decisions. Following consultations with stakeholders, NRCan will develop, for consideration by Ministers, a new mineral and metal policy based on sustainable development.

I believe that it is in the best interest of all Canadians to have in this country a prosperous minerals and metals industry that is committed to sustainable development. This Issues Paper and the dialogue which will flow from it represent an important step toward a common vision of a sustainable minerals and metals industry providing jobs and other benefits to both present and future generations of Canadians.

Commenting on the Issues Paper

This Issues Paper is for discussion purposes only. It should not be considered an expression of official views of the Government of Canada.

Copyright Minister of Supply and Services 1995. All requests for permission to reproduce this work, or any part thereof, should be addressed to the Canada Communication Group - Publishing, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0S9.

Comments on the issues discussed in this paper are welcomed and may be forwarded to:

Mineral and Metal Policy Branch
Minerals and Metals Sector
Natural Resources Canada
580 Booth Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0E4
Telephone: (613) 995-1298
Fax: (613) 992-8581

Obtaining the Issues Paper

Copies of this Issues Paper may be ordered, at no charge, from:
Publication Distribution Office
Minerals and Metals Sector
Natural Resources Canada
580 Booth Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0E4
Telephone: (613) 947-6580
Fax: (613) 947-1018
E-mail: info-mms@nrcan.gc.ca

Sustainable Development and Minerals and Metals (PDF)

Last Updated: 2006-03-16

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