MUN4Schools 2024

United Nations Environment

Programme [UNEP]

Written By: Pranesh.M, Bhagavath.S,

Atiksh Jain
Committee: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Agenda: Assessing the environmental impact of the mining industry
Head Chair: Pranesh.M
Vice Chairs: Bhagavath.S, Atiksh Jain

Letter To The Delegates

Dear Delegates

Hope this message finds you well. I am Pranesh.M and I’ll be your Head chair, with me there are 2
more important and wonderful people - our fellow deputy chairs - Bhagavath.S and Atiksh Jain. It is
with great pride and enthusiasm that I welcome you to our UNEP (United Nations Environment
Programme) committee. I believe this MUN is special for each and everyone of you - for me it's my
last MUN as a High Schooler and my first MUN as an Undergrad Student, for you guys it can be many
things - probably your first MUN or is it your last MUN in school days.

I had the opportunity to start my MUN journey in grade 7, to be frank I had no idea of how MUN
works but that was in the past. Today after participating in over 8 different MUNs I can assure I know
just 75 - 80 % of MUNs. I believe there are always many stones left unturned when it comes to our
understanding of a topic, MUNs will also come in that bracket. Dear delegates, this platform can be
seen as an opportunity for both of us to learn from each other, have fun and gain valuable experience
and memories that we can cherish forever. Let me tell you a secret - had my first MUN been bad I
swear I would have not participated in it anymore, but fortunately, I had a mentor and an Executive
board who made sure my interest never vanished but it grew deeper.

My partners in crime and I wish to provide you with the same kind of experience which you can
cherish and enjoy every moment you think about it. We want to give you a MUN where you had fun
and where you had the opportunity to learn new aspects of everyday happenings. If you are stage
fright, anxious or nervous let me assure you, my team and I will work to make you feel comfortable
and at ease. But in exchange my team and I want one favor from you guys - your cooperation, your
enthusiasm and to show us your thirst for knowledge.
 It's okay to be a first-timer or have jitters every time you enter the committee, raising your
Placards, raising a motion, or be it giving a speech to the entire committee, believe it or not, it's going
to be okay.

Just give your 100%, everything is going to be alright!

Let’s Make this event one to remember.
Regards,
Pranesh.M

Introduction

The mining industry stands as a cornerstone of human civilization, playing an important role in
economic growth and technological advancements from the past to till date. As described in history
mining has been the origin of the supply of raw materials essential for infrastructural advancements,
manufacturing and a keen source of energy production. Nevertheless, alongside its undeniable
contributions, the industry has also had a significant environmental footprint that warrants careful
consideration and cannot be ignored in any circumstances.
When we speak about mining activities numerous concerns and impacts are involved. It is,
however, difficult to generalize these impacts based on the location, size, and materials mined vary
widely. What works well in one place may have negative impacts and cause problems elsewhere.
Individual mining projects are always a balance between the benefits and impacts at different
locations and on varying scales. Mining is place dependent and global at the same time. It is
connected to global cyclical economic changes and risks of continuity are always present. The variety
of potential environmental and social impacts from mining activities is broad and in individual mining
projects only some of them are realized.
Throughout thousands of years, spanning ancient to modern times the mining techniques have made
significant progress from primitive methods such as manual labor and primary tools to highly
advanced mechanisms propelled by state-of-the-art technology. This evolution in the mining industry
has made mining operations such as extraction of vast quantities of minerals, metals, and fossil fuels
much more feasible and easier, also leading to several impacts leading to environmental challenges.
Statistics emphasize the scale of these challenges, such as mining operations are responsible for a
substantial portion of global water pollution, estimating that mining activities contribute to nearly 20%
of global wastewater discharge (UNEP 2018). Additionally, the extraction of minerals often leads to
extensive land degradation, with approximately 75% of mining areas worldwide affected by
disturbance stated by the International Council on Mining and Metals, 2019. Furthermore, as per the
sources and stats air pollution is another major concern due to mining activities as it contributes to
particular emission that can be harmful for both human health and ecosystem(UNEP,2019).
In spite of all these provocations, the mining industry is at an intersection where technological
advancement and regulatory frameworks are pooled together in order to mitigate the environmental
impacts. Efforts to adopt sustainable mining practices, improve waste management, and restore
mined landscapes are increasingly gaining momentum. International collaborations and partnerships
between industry stakeholders, governments, and environmental organizations are also crucial in
fostering responsible mining practices.
On one hand, Environmental impacts have caused concerns in many mining locations. On the other
hand, mining projects can also bring jobs and new national and international actors to a region, while
stimulating life and the regional economy in often remote areas. Additionally, mining projects mean a
very concrete encounter with and interaction between global economic developments and the local
community. For instance, mining activities are an integral part of the EU’s economy and are positioned
to play a major role in various aspects, for example, countries are using mining as a tool to transition to
a low-carbon and circular economy,
In conclusion, while mining has been an essential element for human progress, its historic and
ongoing ecological impacts create a requirement for comprehensive assessment and proactive
mitigation strategies. Through comprehensive understanding and proactive management of these
impacts, the mining industry can play a pivotal role in fostering a sustainable future, ensuring a
harmonious balance between resource extraction, environmental stewardship, and the preservation
of natural ecosystems.

Definitions of Key Terms in this Background Guide

Ore
A naturally occurring solid material from which a metal or mineral can be extracted.

Blasting
Using explosives to break rock for extraction

Deep-sea mining
The process of retrieving mineral deposits from the deep seabed
Mining externalities
Unintended and often harmful side effects of mining activities that affect the environment and
communities.
Biodiversity Loss:
The reduction in the variety of life in mining areas due to habitat destruction.

Habitat Destruction:
The removal or alteration of habitats leads to damage to wildlife.

Tailings:
Residue or waste material left after the extraction of minerals from ore.

Biota:
Plants and animals of a region.

Ecosystem Degradation:
Deterioration of ecosystems due to mining activities.

Quarry:
to dig, stone, sand, etc. out of the ground.

Background Information
Before we dive further down into the topic let's understand what we mean by mining
activities. Mining activities refer to the life cycle of mines from exploration to closure. The main mining
activities are exploration, construction, production, and closure of the mine. In this background guide,
mining (in general) is defined as all activities related to excavating rocks, stones, or minerals that can
be sold at a profit. This includes the subsequent extraction of valuable metals. While the definition of
the extractive sector includes everything related to mining, it is often divided into energy (e.g. oil, gas,
and coal) and non-energy extractive activities. This is due to their different operational models, the
technologies used, and especially their purpose. The non-energy extractive sector can be further
divided into non-metal and metal mining. ‘Mining’ tends to refer to the latter when it is discussed in a
general context. The two most typical types of mines are open-pit and underground mines, even
though sometimes the approaches are combined.

Environmental Impacts
Mining projects tend to have direct and indirect environmental impacts, which can affect land,
water, air, biota, and people. The impacts can be wide and visible - such as changes in the area’s
hydrology or landscape. They also can be hidden from the eye - such as chemical emissions or
changes in the microbes in lake sediments. The impacts occur on different scales and they range
from site specific, regional, to even global impacts through processes such as climate change. The
site-specific and regional impacts vary significantly depending on the local characteristics of the
environment, on the mining activity type and on the geology and ore contents of the deposit. Due to
the vastly different processes, technologies and operational environments, mining is usually
discussed within more specific categories. In general, the most significant environmental impacts are
related to the mining of sulfide metal ores, for the extraction and refinement of which more intensive
industrial processes are required. Few of the
Biodiversity Loss
The destruction of ecosystems due to mining activities has far-reaching consequences. Tropical
rainforests, for example, cover only about 6% of the Earth's surface but are home to more than half of
the world's plant and animal species. When these forests are cleared for mining, countless species
lose their habitats, leading to a decline in biodiversity. This loss of habitat not only affects the plants
and animals that live there but also disrupts the entire ecosystem. Deforestation and removal of other
vegetation can lead to soil erosion, reducing the land's fertility and making it difficult for new plants to
grow.
Mining significantly impacts entire ecosystems, particularly forests, which are vital for carbon
sequestration. Forests absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to reduce climate change.
When mining activities destroy these ecosystems, the consequences are severe, affecting both the
environment and society. The loss of forests not only reduces the planet's capacity to absorb
greenhouse gases but also disrupts biodiversity, water cycles, and soil stability, leading to broader
ecological issues. In addition, habitats of various species of animals and plants are lost. The
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has emphasized the threat mining poses to
endangered species. For instance, the Amur leopard, one of the rarest big cats globally, is at risk due
to habitat destruction caused by mining activities. With a population of fewer than 100 individuals, any
further habitat loss could lead to the species' extinction.
The aggregate impact of mining on biodiversity is even more severe than it appears. Mining
operations can lead to the isolation of species, disrupt food chains, and potentially cause extinctions.
Over 60% of mining companies have at least one mine in biodiversity hotspots, which are critical areas
that contain more than 50% of the world's plant species and 42% of all terrestrial vertebrate species.
The fragmentation and destruction of these habitats not only endanger numerous species but also
destabilize ecosystems, reducing their ability to provide essential services such as pollination, water
purification, and climate regulation.
Due to habitat destruction and increased erosion caused by sand mining, the ecosystem is severely
impacted, losing both land and species. It damages aquatic life by lowering water tables, increasing
the risk of flooding, and contaminating water sources. This widespread environmental deterioration is
the result of disastrous consequences.

Pollution
Mining, the engine powering our material world, pollutes with brutality. Toxic dust chokes the air,
while runoff bleeds poisons into vital water sources. Catastrophic dam failures unleash toxins,
damaging landscapes for years. Deep-sea mining, threatens unseen ecosystems with heavy metal
toxins, potentially disrupting the ocean's food chain. Even hidden underground mines release toxic
gases and endanger lives.
Water pollution for example has severe consequences to the environment. Acid Mine
Drainage(AMD) is caused when acid spills under the water hitting rocks to form sulfuric acid.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), over 40% of watersheds in the western
United States are affected by mining-related pollution. This contamination affects aquatic life, reduces
water quality, and poses health risks to humans. In some cases, entire aquatic ecosystems have been
devastated by the influx of toxic substances from mining operations. Another additional impact of
water pollution is Leaching. Leaching is when rain mixes with tailings and leaches the water to pollute
water with harmful metals such as mercury and arsenic. During the production phase, a mine can also
impact the surrounding waterways in various ways. For instance the discharge water is often the
biggest and most significant source of emissions to the surrounding waterways. The wastewaters are
discharged from the mines on purpose and in a controlled manner, usually limited by the values set in
the environmental permit. Even if the concentrations of different substances are small, the cumulative
effect may cause stress to the environment over time (e.g. sulfides from the ore). The type of ore, the
enrichment methods used and the water management methods impact the nature of the water
changes.
Surface mining uses methods such as blasting which transports dust into the atmosphere and
degrades the quality of air. Furthermore, mining equipment and transportation materials emit a
substantial amount of greenhouse gasses contributing to climate change. The World Health
Organization (WHO) estimates that 4.2 million deaths annually are linked to air pollution, with mining
being a significant contributor in mining-intensive regions.
 Land Degradation
Mining activities cause a huge impact on the land in various regions such as erosions, and land
infertility. Large-scale mining activities disturb nearly 0.3 million hectares of land annually. To put it
into perspective, it’s 3 times the size of Los Angeles.
Unregulated mining, especially for gems, can wreak havoc on the surrounding environment.
These operations often leave behind loose piles of excavated material, vulnerable to soil erosion by
wind and rain. This eroded material then washes into nearby rivers and streams, choking them with
sediment. Excessive sand removal from rivers can also destabilize the banks, leading to possible
saltwater intrusions.
Mining activities can change the microbial nature of the soil. Mining disrupts the delicate
balance of life in the soil. Microbes, essential for healthy soil, plummet in number. This leaves the soil
depleted of organic carbon and essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. This
leads to the soil being less arable. Also, Mines produce large amounts of waste rock and tailings - the
residue of an ore that remains after the desired metals have been extracted from it. The tailings can
contain significant levels of toxic substances and their disposal is a key issue as regards the mine’s
environmental footprint. The disposal of tailings, which have increased drastically in volume over the
last century, is commonly identified as the single greatest environmental impact for most mining
operations.
 Climate Change
Mining plays a significant role in climate change by emitting greenhouse gases such as carbon
dioxide and methane during extraction and processing. These emissions contribute to global
warming, alter weather patterns, and increase the severity and frequency of extreme weather events,
affecting ecosystems and human communities globally. The United Nations Climate Change
Conference, COP28, delivered a clear call on countries to transition away from fossil fuels and mining.
Mining disrupts natural weather patterns by emitting large amounts of greenhouse gases,
such as carbon dioxide and methane. The mining sector accounts for approximately 4-7% of global
greenhouse gas emissions. These emissions contribute to global warming, altering temperature and
precipitation patterns, which leads to more frequent and severe weather events like storms, droughts,
and floods. These disruptions negatively affect agriculture, water resources, and ecosystem stability,
posing significant threats to biodiversity and human communities.

Timeline of Events

Major Events That Happened Years and Dates

Disaster, Papua New
Guinea
Ok Tedi Environmental
 on Mining, Minerals, Metals
and Sustainable
United Nations conference Development
on environment and 1984 1992
development, Rio

World summit on
2002 2005
sustainable development,
Johensberg

Intergovernmental Forum

Mount Polley Mine, Canada 2014

Organizations
UNEA Resolution on
Mineral Resource Canada
Governance
2019 2020
UN Resolution on
Environmental Impact of
Mining Activities

Key Countries and

Canada is a global leader in research and development addressing environmental issues caused by
mine sites. Notably, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) is involved in programs like the Mine
Environment Neutral Drainage (MEND) Program and the National Orphaned and Abandoned Mines
Initiative (NOAMI). These initiatives aim to mitigate the environmental impacts of abandoned mines
through collaborative research and practical solutions.
The MEND Program, launched in 1989, addresses the severe issue of acidic drainage from abandoned
mines. It is an effort involving the mining industries, government entities, and environmental
organizations. By promoting environmentally sound technologies, the program has significantly
reduced the consequences associated with acidic drainage, saving several hundred million dollars.
NRCan manages the program's secretariat and has established Canada as a leader in acidic drainage
research.

NOAMI, initiated in 2002 and concluded in 2012, focused on abandoned mines. The program brought
together the mining industry, government, and environmental stakeholders to identify and address
key issues. Although the formal program has ended, ongoing efforts and annual meetings among
stakeholders continue to advance solutions for these abandoned mine sites across Canada, fostering
collaborative approaches and partnerships

Australia
Australia, known for its largest global mining industry, not only excels in that but also has taken
substantial steps towards the betterment of the environment due to such mines, which goes as
follows.

On November 28, 2023, the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly of Australia passed the
Environment Protection Legislation Amendment Act 2023, introducing a new framework for managing
the environmental impacts of mining under the Environment Protection Act 2019. Effective from July 1,
2024. These laws mandate an environmental (mining) license for activities causing substantial site
disturbance, such as significant land clearing, excavation, and waterway diversion. The Amendment
Act details these activities in new regulation 233R, ensuring that exploration and extraction activities
comply with environmental protection standards.

International Council on Mining and Metals(ICMM)

ICMM is an organization formed just to address such impacts on mining. By promoting such solutions,
it hopes to make a difference in the mining industry and ensure well-constructed ecosystems and
communities. This committee hopes for sustainable development in mining by partnering with
Non-governmental organizations(NGOs), governments, and industries to come to conclusions and
resolve problems. ICMM is also directly connected with the Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs)
formed in the UN General Assembly in 2015
One of such guidelines by the ICMM is Tailings management. Tailings are the wastes or
leftovers that are left over after the extraction of elements from ores. ICMM believes that there are two
core elements to managing tailings which are one, good governance, which means regular checking
and accountability for decisions, and two, good engineering practices including risk-informed
approaches. ICMM provides training for mine workers to improve awareness about this issue as well.
They also advocate for policies that emphasize reusing waste, redeveloping it into other products, or
efficiently disposing of it.
The mining industry is highly dependent on water and uses this resource in huge amounts. To
encourage the use of this resource efficiently, a few water stewardship commitments by firms, have
been made. This ensures complete transparency of water use and robust water governance to
resolve shared problems. In addition, to compete with the problem of high greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions, ICMM collaborates with equipment manufacturing companies to promote eco-friendly
equipment and machines.

Past Actions Taken On this Issue

This section shows the previous attempts to solve the Issue and the main policies, conventions or
treaties governing the activities related to the impacts of the mining industry on the environment 1.
Commission on Sustainable Development Nineteenth session :

13 May 2011 Item 3 of the provisional agenda, Thematic cluster for the implementation
cycle 2010-2011 (policy session) Policy options and actions for expediting progress in
Implementation: Mining Report of the Secretary-General.
Since the World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002, the mining sector has
seen significant changes, including improved transparency and governance. Many companies
now follow voluntary guidelines and principles for better resource efficiency. Despite these
advancements, gaps remain in leveraging mineral wealth for national economies, enhancing
government transparency, and respecting human and land rights. Addressing environmental
and social impacts and improving government capacity are essential. The international
community can assist through technical cooperation, sharing good practices, and promoting
transparency initiatives.
2. Managing mining for sustainable development EXECUTIVE SUMMARY-UNDP 2018:
The extraction of minerals from the earth presents opportunities, challenges, and risks to
sustainable development. This document provides a comprehensive overview of policies and
practices to manage mining towards sustainable development - by incorporating social and
environmental sustainability considerations in policies and legal frameworks, adopting regulatory
and participatory tools to protect the environment and people, enhancing fiscal benefits from
mining, and increasing employment opportunities. It synthesizes the available
knowledge and the experiences of countries – primarily from Asia and Australasia, bringing
 them together in a way that is relevant for national and local governments, as well as for local
communities. While the sourcebook focuses on the commercial-scale mining industry, it is
also relevant for other natural resource industries – oil, gas, hydropower, and
commercial-scale agriculture and logging.
3. United Nations Environment Programme Global Mercury Partnership: The overall goal
of the UNEP Global Mercury Partnership is to protect human health and the global
environment from the release of mercury and its compounds by minimizing and, where
feasible, ultimately eliminating global, anthropogenic mercury releases to air, water, and land.
The Partnership works closely with stakeholders to assist in the timely ratification and
effective implementation of the Minamata Convention on Mercury.

Solutions Proposed By The Chair

Mining industry has also played a major role in the development of human civilization, as mentioned
prior the process of mining has always been the go to source for minerals, resources and eventually
they act as an energy source. These mining industries create Jobs, provide livelihood to many and
also helps the economy run and helps to satisfy the unlimited wants of the ever growing human kind.
But like we all know every coin has 2 sides , so does the mining field.
On one hand we humans have embraced the process of mining to satisfy our wants.
On the other hand they have been one of the most deadliest parasites to the environment, slowly
degrading it. It’s our responsibility as future leaders and delegates to resolve the conflict at hand,
finding a middle ground where mining can take place effectively and efficiently and making sure the
environment does not get further degraded but improves. So below are few ways this middle ground
can be achieved:
● Lower – Impact Mining Techniques:
Traditional mining techniques like open pit and underground mining present some of the
most significant environmental risks. However, there are many alternative low-impact mining
techniques available. Benefits of these lower-impact mining techniques include the ability to
reduce surface disturbance at mining sites and lower soil erosion. Lower-impact mining
techniques can also move less material that would need to be backfilled, another
environmental plus. While using these alternative techniques companies can reduce their
environmental impact. This way, businesses will also continue to reap the benefits of minerals
they would otherwise extract.
● Shutting Down Illegal Mining:
 Illegal mining remains a significant issue for the industry. For example, experts
estimate that around 14,000 people are currently involved in illegal mining in South Africa.
There, illegal mining often takes place on properties not suited for large-scale mining. Often,
such sites also have no regard for regulations that reduce the environmental impact. Hence,
ensuring that all mining operations follow the same environmental standards can help prevent
illegal or unregulated mining operations.
It is apparent that the industry needs big changes to secure a more sustainable future.
Without these changes, the repercussions of mining on our finite planet could be devastating.
Fortunately, this doesn’t mean the end of mining; rather, it means careful use of the earth’s
resources.
● Reusing Mining Waste:
Depending on the mineral and chemical composition of the tailings, businesses can use
them in the production of bricks. Companies can also utilize them as paint extenders or in
agroforestry. Some new technologies even make it possible to further mine from these
tailings. This helps to reduce the overall amount of minerals that get left behind in mining
sites. Such an approach also reduces the volume of waste stored in tailings dams.
● Sustainable Practices:
All nations must start moving towards renewable, reusable and recyclable practices,
also the mining industry must start following more sustainable practices in mining and energy
production.

Questions A Resolutions Must Answer

This shows the minimum expectation of the chair in a resolution created in your committee, and
directs pre-conference solution-based research of delegates.
01. What are the Policies, Conventions or Treaties related to the mining industry and its impacts?
02. What can be done by member states or by collaboration with International Organisations on
the basis of policies, treaties, funding or by other means to make sure the impacts caused by
mining industry is reduced?
03. What can be done by member states or by collaboration with International Organisations on
the basis of policies, treaties, funding or by other means to ensure the protection of the
environment and a step towards sustainable development?
04. What measures can be relied upon to ensure collection and analysis of data and scientific
evidence that results in quality decision making that results in moving towards the mining
industry running in a sustainable way?

Possible Moderated Caucus Topics

 The below are few ideas that can be used to frame a moderated caucus which can be used
to discuss in the committee:
● Environmental impacts due to mining.
● Sustainable mining practices .
● Economic costs vs environmental costs.
● Policies and regulations in the mining industry.
● Corporate social responsibility in the mining industry.
● Impact of mining on indigenous communities.
● Rehabilitation of mining lands.
● Technological innovations in mining.
● Illegal mining and its consequences.

Citations
● https://www.worldbank.org/en/programs/climate-smart-mining/csm-framework ●
https://natural-resources.canada.ca/our-natural-resources/minerals-mining/responsible-mi
ning/25103
● https://depws.nt.gov.au/environment-information/environmental-regulation-of-mining/envir
onmental-regulation-of-mining
● https://www.icmm.com/en-gb/guidance/innovation/2021/tailings-management-good-prac
tice
● https://www.icmm.com/en-gb/our-principles/mining-principles/principle-6 ●
https://www.icmm.com/en-gb/guidance/environmental-stewardship/2021/water-reporting ●
https://www.icmm.com/en-gb/our-work/environmental-resilience/climate-change/mitigate
-ghg-emissions
● https://www.icmm.com/en-gb/our-work/innovation-for-sustainability/tailings/prevent-pollu
tion-manage-releases
● https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ambient-(outdoor)-air-quality-and-healt h
● https://unog.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/search?vid=41UNOG_INST:DHL ●
https://press.un.org/en/2011/envdev1213.doc.htm
● https://mining-events.com/5-ways-to-make-mining-more-sustainable/
● https://digitallibrary.un.org/?ln=en
Appendix
Dear Delegates,
In order for further understanding or for more research content, we the chairs recommend you
these below sites and documents:
● 5/12. Environmental aspects of minerals and metals management : resolution / adopted by the
United Nations Environment Assembly:
https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/3999177?ln=en&v=pdf
● Resolution adopted by the United Nations Environment Assembly on 15 March 2019:
https://www.saicm.org/Portals/12/documents/meetings/IP4/2022/SAICM_IP.4_INF_13_Rev.
1.pdf
● Trends and salient issues in mineral resources:
https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/156099?ln=en&v=pdf
● Strategy for African mining / Mining Unit, Industry and Energy Division:
https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/722101468204567891/pdf/multi-page.pdf ●
Implementation of policy response packages to promote sustainable management of natural
resources : confronting sustainability in the mining sector : role for a sustainability fund:
https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/611797?ln=en&v=pdf
● Environmental issues from coal mining and their solutions:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1674526409601873
● Social and environmental impacts of mining activities in the EU:
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/STUD/2022/729156/IPOL_STU(2022)7291
56_EN.pdf