HIGHLIGHTS

22nd session of the UNEP Governing Council/Global Ministerial Environment Forum Nairobi, Kenya, 3-7 February 2003
UNEP Mining, Minerals and the Environment Programme Activities in 2002 436 KB (NEW)
Participate in the MRF-Environment General Discussion Forum Site
Subscribe to the MRF-Environment mailing list! (FREE)

UNEP DTIE's mining, minerals and the environment programme focuses on strengthening the leverage of all stakeholders to improve the environmental stewardship of the mining industry.

Go to UNEP Mining, Minerals and the Environment Programme website)
UNEP Publication Brochure on Mining and Environment (PDF 1MB) and order form (PDF 17 KB) are available electronically.
Mining, Minerals and the Environment Programme Activities in 2000-2002

Global Mercury Assessment Report

This report responds to the request of the Governing Council of UNEP, through GC decision 21/5, that UNEP undertake a global assessment of mercury and mercury compounds, in cooperation with other members of the Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals (IOMC). As part of the implementation of GC decision 21/5, UNEP established a Global Mercury Assessment Working Group to assist in the drafting and finalization of this report. Further information on the Report can be found here. This report will be forwarded to the Governing Council for consideration at its 22nd session in February 2003.

mercury-assessment-report.pdf (5.6 MB)

GLOBAL WARMING MAY WORSEN MERCURY POLLUTION - UN

Planet Ark - 04 February 2003 - Mercury pollution must be tackled before global warming exacerbates its noxious effects, the United Nations warned yesterday it its first report into the worldwide dangers posed by the heavy metal. Further information can be obtained from the new article.

FIRE HALTS PRODUCTION AT ERPM SHAFT

MiningNews.net - 04 February 2003 - An underground fire has stopped production at one of the shafts at South Africa's troubled ERPM gold mine where security guards shot dead two striking workers last year. Further information can be obtained from the new article.

APPEALS COURT UPHOLDS MOUNTAINTOP REMOVAL MINING

Lycos News (ENS) - 03 February 2003 - A federal appeals court has overturned a lower court ruling that would have barred most new permits for mountaintop mining in the Appalachian mountains. Further information can be obtained from the new article.

UNEP - 03 February 2003 - Mercury poisoning of the planet could be significantly reduced by curbing pollution from power stations, a new report released by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) suggests. Further information can be obtained from the news release.

STATES AGREE "RIGHT-TO-KNOW" DEAL ON TOXIC WASTE

Planet Ark - 03 February 2003 - Over 30 European, Central Asian and North American countries have agreed a pact extending the public's right to know about chemical waste and toxic pollutants in their neighbourhoods, the United Nations said. Further information can be obtained from the new article.

MINE SAFETY: MORE OVERSIGHT NEEDED

EnviroLink Services - 02 February 2003 - The United Mine Workers released a report blaming lax federal enforcement for events that led to the worst U.S. mine disaster in nearly 20 years - an Alabama explosion that killed 13 miners. Further information can be obtained from the new article.