25 July 1985

52nd plenary meeting

Small-scale mining

The Economic and Social Council,

Recalling its resolution 1535 (XLIX) of 27 July 1970 setting out the terms of reference of the Committee on Natural Resources, in particular paragraph 4 (g) thereof,

Recognizing the effective contribution of small-scale mining and quarrying to the economic and social development of some countries, in particular as a source of employment and regional development,

Taking note of the fact that in some developing countries much mining is accomplished by small-scale operations, and that many of these operations face special problems, including lack of mechanized equipment, absence of expertise in the exploration for and operation of small mines, legal frameworks that, in some countries, differ from those of large-scale mining, and different marketing circumstances,

Also taking note of the fact that developing countries might benefit from an exchange of information on all aspects of exploration for, assessment of, development and operation of small mines and that continued studies on the problems of infrastructure, equipment and exploitation constitute an important step in finding an optimal scale for mining,

Taking into account the discussions in the Committee on Natural Resources at its last three sessions on fertilizer raw materials and non-metallic mineral resources,

1. Recommends that the Committee on Natural Resources, at its eleventh session, should consider small-scale mining in the context of its deliberations on mineral resources;

2. Requests the Secretary-General to take small-scale mining into account when preparing reports for the eleventh session of the Committee; those reports should include an overview of small-scale mining and an evaluation of experience gained through technical co-operation projects;

3. Also requests the Secretary-General to examine whether there exist small-scale mining operations that could serve as demonstration projects for training and for developing new approaches to small-scale mining, in accordance with national development plans and priorities, and to report thereon to the Committee on Natural Resources at its eleventh session;

4. Urges Governments to submit to the Secretary-General at an early date information and reports on small-scale mining in their countries.