Promoting responsible mining in the Andean countries

Context

For the transition to renewable energy, a substantial amount of minerals such as lithium and copper are needed globally. Many of these minerals are abundant in the Andean region,

making mining a potential contributor to economic growth and the sustainable development goals. However, the industry can also have a negative social and environmental impact on the surrounding areas.

Objective

Mining takes greater account of social and ecological aspects and contributes to local development.

Approach

The project works in the following priority areas:

Sustainable supply chains: Civil society, community members in mining regions, and local and national governments are being familiarised with international sustainability initiatives. To this end, the project develops recommendations on how certification systems can better address the needs of local stakeholders, improve access to information and increase their involvement.

Transparent taxation and revenue management: The project helps governments to optimise their tax systems and to manage and spend mining revenues more transparently and efficiently.

Human rights and gender equality: The project advises the Iberoamerican Ombudsman Federation on how to develop complaint mechanisms and improve conflict prevention in mining regions. It also helps mining ministries to develop gender strategies.

The project partners are the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR) and the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC). BGR advises Andean countries on aspects such as mine closure, the management of mining legacies, and efficient water use, energy and decarbonisation.

Last update: September 2023