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Public acceptance of surface mining projects and the determination of the marginal environmental cost

Pavloudakis Francis F., Roumpos, Christos 1978-, Galetakis Michalis

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Summary

Surface mining operations can adversely impact the environment. The size and nature of earth-moving works carried out for the exploitation of mineral deposits can cause severe environmental problems unless the mining company plans and implements an effective environmental protection and land reclamation programme. Such a programme starts from the early stages of deposit exploration and continues for many years after the closure of the mine. The type and magnitude of environmental damage associated with surface mining projects are closely related to various site-specific, physical, chemical, ecological, socioeconomic and cultural characteristics, which must be thoroughly identified, analysed and modelled. The goal of this study is to provide decision-makers with information that is necessary for assessing the contribution of a proposed project to national, regional and local development and welfare. Using this approach, project proponents and supervising authorities are able to communicate effectively with public interest groups. Speedy and effective communication between all stakeholders engenders mutual cooperation and collaboration while minimising political damage, all of which will minimise risks that may lead to financial losses or cancellation of the project in its entirely. This article is a review of the main regulatory aspects of public involvement in decision-making involving environmental management of surface mining projects with special emphasis on the Aarhus Convention, an initiative of UN Economic Commission for Europe. The study cites several cases of ‘contract-based’ agreements between mining companies, supervising authorities and the public that have successfully addressed various environmental and socioeconomic issues. Furthermore, this article proposes a methodology for predicting the budget that is required for financing environmental protection and land reclamation works throughout the entire life of the mine, taking into account numerous technical and economic parameters as well as the associated uncertainty. The methodology proposed in this study may be useful during negotiations of environmental management plans for new or for existing mining activities.

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