Assessment of adequacy of environmental regulatory framework governing mineral resources extraction and processing: a comparative study of selected African countries and other developing countries

Abstract

Mining industry provides raw materials without which sustainable development could not take place. However,that industry is also known for its potential to modify the environment,a very sensitive issue at international level,especially since 1983, and date of the establishment by the United Nations of a World Commission on environment and Development.In Africa for example, environmental considerations had, since the early 1990s, delayed the development of Mount Nimba iron ores deposit in Guinea, in spite of measures taken both by the government and mining operators to preserve environment.