The effect of policy choices on mineral availability

Abstract

During the late 1980s and early 1990s almost 100 nations introduced new or revised existing, mineral policies and laws. We are now in another period of revision, particularly in the Eastern European nations. National mineral policies in these countries are being, or recently have been, reconsidered for several reasons. First, policies from the prior political era were not consistent with market driven economic policies. Second, they did not reflect the regulatory framework or policy directives of the new, integrating Europe. Finally, old policies did not address the concerns, issues and needs of societies today, primary among these being the desire for a sustainable future. In this paper we argue that each country’s mix of imported and domestically produced minerals should be economically profitable, socially acceptable, and in compliance with sustainable development principles. In this paper we focus on the ongoing revision of mineral policies in Eastern European countries transitioning to market-driven economies. We first review basic policy concepts, placing emphasis on the purpose and scope of mineral policies. We then briefly describe EU positions on sustainability, and economic and mineral policy. This is followed by a general review of the mineral policies and management situation in the transition economies of Eastern Europe. We conclude that of number of the current policies have the potential to limit the availability of minerals to countries in this region rather than ensuring their supply. We also identify several policy trends that are inconsistent with sustainability principles.