A senior official of the European Association of Mining, Metal Ores & Industrial Minerals (Euromines) told Demostat that concern over the effects of industrial projects is normal but that mining projects are often viewed in the context of areas lacking in regulations.

Florian Anderhuber, Deputy Director General of Euromines, told the Belgrade-based portal that all industrial projects cause concern. “What we often see when looking into mining projects is that their effects are viewed in the context of mining in parts of the world that do not have established regulations in terms of permits or that do not have the capacity to implement regulations,” he is quoted as saying.

According to Anderhuber, mining is an important part of the efforts to protect the planet and secure prosperity and high quality of life.

“There are lot of examples in the European Union, including the (Rio Tinto) Jadar project that show the mining can be sustainable and responsible,” he said and added that mining can create jobs, protect biodiversity, attract investments and create business opportunities only if it implements the highest standards.

Euromines represents companies and national associations in Europe.