Editorial Mining industry challenged

The mining industry along with every other industry sector was challenged at Globe ’90, an international environmental conference held in Vancouver, B.C., to play a stronger role in protecting the environment, viewing it as an economic opportunity rather than an economic burden. It is regrettable that groups such as Greenpeace found this concept repugnant. The challenge, however, is in keeping with the conclusions of Our Common Future, the report of the World Commission on Environment and Development. Supervised by Gro Harlem Brundtland, Norway’s former prime minister, the report recognized the contribution of the business community to our economic well-being and the role it must play in sustainable development.

In 1989 the Mining Association of Canada committed its member companies to the concept that development must meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Government also embraced the concept as realistic and practical.

Jake Epp, Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources Canada, told delegates in his address at Globe ’90 that the way to achieve a balance between economic and environmental objectives is through policy frameworks that use economic incentives and economic growth as vehicles.

“We must carefully avoid the notion that governments should direct, control and regulate all responses to environmental problems,” he said.

This is a rare gesture of trust and goodwill — one that is almost certain to be challenged by special interest groups seeking increased regulations. Now it is up to industry to initiate, endorse, and/or question policies that will affect its ability to meet these increased expectations.

The alternative to carrots is always sticks. Once sticks are in place, it is difficult, if not impossible, to set them down. After all, no level of government these days wants to appear that it is “giving in” to business — even if the legislation or regulation is onerous or has serious flaws.