Global mining code a benchmark for the industry, says lead consultant

Last month saw the launch of a model mining code from the World Initiative of Mining Lawyers (WIOML), designed to influence and guide mining countries in attracting investment and securing fair benefits from mineral exploitation within their borders.

The code has been welcomed by Andrew van Zyl, partner and principal consultant engineers and scientists, SRK Consulting. Van Zyl was speaking at the WIOML conference in France, where the code was officially launched.

“The code provides a good starting point for countries without a code in place yet, it also provides a useful benchmark against which a country could compare its existing code.” He said.

Applying a clear and reasonable mining code will go a long way to attracting investors, said Van Zyl, and should be augmented by a culture of constructive collaboration among mining stakeholders – which could gain traction while the global economy waits for commodity prices to improve.

“There is little appetite or ability right now to raise the billions of dollars needed to develop large mining projects,” he said.

“But there is the time to invest much smaller amounts in the vital but neglected process of forging agreement and trust between miners, governments, communities, NGOs and other interested parties.”

Mining Global has spoken with Al Gourley, Head parent of Mining at Fasken Martineau and Chairman & Director of the World Initiative of Mining Lawyers. Look out in the coming months for the interview and editorial exploring the mining code, it’s impact on the industry and how WIMOL hopes to influence a culture of change across the global industry.

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