In the wake of the United Nations Conference on Environment and
Development (UNCED) held in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992, evolved
AGENDA 21. This document which was adopted at the Conference,
provides a global action guideline for sustainable development into the
21st century.
Sustainable mining requires a complete understanding of the `mineral
cycle', including government legislation, mineral exploration, mining
operations, rehabilitation, product use, re-cycling and waste disposal that
takes into consideration associated social and environmental
considerations and achieves economic objectives.