The mineral development programme of the Department of Technical Co-operation for Development United Nations secretariat

Abstract

The mineral development programme executed by the Department of Technical Co—operation for Development of the United Nations Secretariat, financed by the United Nations Development Programme and other sources^ has in the past 20 years supported almost 2D0 projects in some 80 countries* In addition to exploration for a variety of metals and minerals, these activities also include feasibility studies* the provision of chemical laboratories and equipment, institution building, training, and short—term advisory services.

More than 50 per cent of the budget of presently active projects has been allocated to countries within the region of the Economic Commission for Africa, At the beginning of 1980 more than 20 United Nations projects at a total budget of approximately $28 million were underway. This paper summarizes the objectives and the scope of some of these projects and highlights the non—operational activities of the Department of Technical Co—operation for Development.