The recent conclusion of the 7th United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) in Nairobi, Kenya, marked a missed opportunity for advancing the governance of the global mining industry. Despite calls from Indigenous Peoples, civil society, and communities affected by mining, the Assembly failed to deliver decisive actions for improved oversight.
Global Mineral Governance Initiative Falls Short
UNEA, which gathers biennially, serves as a platform for governments worldwide to establish strategies addressing the Triple Planetary Crisis: climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. This year, a promising resolution on mineral governance was put forward by Colombia and Oman. The resolution sought to create a working group to explore international instruments for the environmentally sound management of minerals and metals, aiming to mitigate their environmental impact.
The resolution also tasked UNEP with developing global guidelines for the recovery of mine tailings, considering scientific, technical, economic, and environmental dimensions. With billions of tons of mine waste across the globe, such guidelines would aid in addressing associated risks and opportunities. However, the final resolution merely called for UNEP-convened dialogues on mineral governance, including sustainable resource recovery methods like circularity, echoing the lack of ambition seen in previous assemblies.
Technical Advancements Need Political Backing
On December 10th, UNEP announced a United Nations Task Force on Critical Energy Transition Minerals to unify efforts based on the Secretary-General’s Panel recommendations. While this Task Force could advance technical work, it lacks the necessary political commitment highlighted by the Assembly’s final outcome.
Indigenous Voices Criticize UNEA’s Shortcomings
Indigenous Peoples Major Group representatives expressed disappointment at the Assembly’s closure, accusing UNEA of sidelining Indigenous knowledge and stewardship. They criticized UNEA-7 for failing their communities and argued that current systems are inadequate to resolve the triple planetary crisis.
A Call for Government Action
The underwhelming results of UNEA-7 reflect broader challenges in international efforts to regulate the burgeoning mining sector and its impacts on communities and ecosystems. Events like COP 30 and UNEA-7 highlight the ongoing struggle for accountability, as governments like the United States resist substantial changes. Despite setbacks, opportunities for improved oversight and protection of Indigenous rights remain, but governments must act decisively to protect both communities and the environment.
Original Story at earthworks.org