22 May 1989

12th plenary meeting

Trends and salient issues in the development of mineral resources, especially small-scale mining

The Economic and Social Council,

Recalling its resolutions 1985/47 of 25 July 1985 and 1987/8 of 26 May 1987, in which attention was drawn to the effective contribution of small-scale mining to the economic and social development of some countries, in particular as a source of employment and regional development,

Considering that small-scale mines are often characterized by high labour intensity and low labour productivity and that working conditions are often hazardous and related legal protection often inadequate,

Noting that the International Labour Organisation will hold the Fifth Tripartite Technical Meeting for Mines other than Coal Mines at Geneva in 1990, at which labour and social issues in the sector will be discussed,

Aware of the need to balance small-scale mining operations with the improvement of social working conditions and benefits and the consideration of health hazards and safety,

1. Takes note of the reports of the Secretary-General on small-scale mining prospects in developing countries and on trends and salient issues in mineral resources;

2. Recommends that in the elaboration of the international development strategy for the fourth United Nations development decade, in regard to issues relating to mineral resources, special attention should be given to training in the development of new approaches, including methods, in small-scale mining, in accordance with national development plans and priorities;

3. Requests the Secretary-General to continue to conduct studies on prospects for small-scale mining, to evaluate the experience gained through technical co-operation endeavours and to explore ways and means of strengthening technical co-operation and possible sources of financing for small-scale mining initiatives;

4. Also requests the Secretary-General to ensure the assistance of the United Nations system in providing adequate facilities for seminars and symposia, to promote local dissemination of information on small-scale mining and to establish policies and programmes according to the priorities of Member States for the support and promotion of small-scale mining projects;

5. Further requests the Secretary-General to submit to the Committee on Natural Resources at its twelfth session an updated report on trends and salient issues in the development of mineral resources, especially small-scale mining, including the outcome of the Fifth Tripartite Technical Meeting for Mines other than Coal Mines, to be convened by the International Labour Organisation at Geneva in 1990, particularly with regard to issues relating to working conditions and occupational safety and health hazards in small-scale mining.