28 July 1983

Application of computer technology in mineral exploration and development

The Economic and Social Council,

Recognizing the importance of the use of computer processing methods in mineral exploration and development, in particular, but not limited to, remote sensing, geochemistry, ore reserve calculation, mine planning, economic and financial analysis, and data storage and retrieval,

Bearing in mind the advantages that developing countries could derive from a wider application of such techniques,

Taking note of the report of the Secretary-General on new techniques, including remote sensing, for identifying, exploring and assessing natural resources and of the information on the current activities of the Department of Technical Co-operation for Development of the United Nations Secretariat in this field,

Mindful of the importance of the transfer of technology, in particular new technology, that will strengthen the national capabilities of developing countries,

1. Requests the Secretary-General to report to the Committee on Natural Resources at its ninth session on the use of computer techniques, particularly in the developing countries, in the exploration and development of natural resources;

2. Also requests the Secretary-General to report to the Committee at its ninth session on the progress made in the application of such techniques in the technical co-operation activities of the Department of Technical Co-operation for Development;

3. Urges Governments to consider how the application of such techniques can be strengthened in their mineral exploration and development activities, and invites Governments and institutions to provide facilities for seminars and symposia on this subject.