Written Answers. - Minerals Policy.
Michael Bell
Question:
86
Mr. Bell
asked the
Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources
the progress, if any, made in implementing the recommendations of the national minerals policy review group, A New Minerals Policy; the number of the 52 recommendations for action by Government and the industry which have been applied or are under positive consideration with particular reference to job creation and the environment; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[21863/98]
My Department is currently carrying out a major review of the minerals development acts which will address, inter alia, recommendations made by the natural minerals policy review group in April 1995. This is intended to give rise to proposals for amending legislation next year.
To date, 20 of 52 recommendations made by the review group have been implemented, in whole or in part, with significant benefit to the minerals industry and the public. I am favourably disposed to legislating in due course in relation to Recommendation No. 14 and I am glad to announce that I have recently secured Government approval for the drafting of a Bill dealing with the issue. Five of the remaining recommendations (9, 12, 13, 17, 19) were, in effect, an endorsement of existing practices. For various reasons I do not propose to implement 14 of the recommendations (6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 15, 16, 18, 21, 22, 26, 37, 40 and 51). The remaining recommendations would involve action by Departments other than my own or action jointly with other Departments or with the industry while one would require action by the industry. These outstanding recommendations will be considered in formulating proposals for new legislation and in the meantime they are being pursued at EU, interdepartmental and agency level as opportunities arise.
Job creation in the mining sector can only come about through the finding and development of economic mineral deposits. Exploration is a necessary first step to such development and my Department is actively engaged in stimulating inward investment for exploration. In the last six months a new major international mining company and a new junior Canadian company have committed themselves to substantial exploration in this country. The number of current licences has also increased over the last ten months against a global trend of exploration retrenchment.
On the environmental side, we must continue to ensure that, where development takes place, it is carried out in a way that will minimise adverse environmental impacts and will mitigate those which occur. My Department's endeavours are directed accordingly in close association with the other permitting authorities. My commitment to maximising responsible mining and exploration is clear and sustained.
