Search

This paper deals with the future of mining in Europe but in the framework of a global pandemic. We have analysed the various prognosis of global growth trends and the future of mining in Europe, on the basis of the known statistical data of what has happened so far. Several case studies are included, and a proposal of a strong EU reaction to really be successful in the plans designed when the Raw Material Initiative was planned is suggested. The incredible mining potential of the EU as well as its technological leadership is here presented to demonstrate that, if politically supported, these can bring back Europe to the leading role in mining it had in the past. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CSR needs to be implemented into every level of an organization to have a meaningful impact, and management systems are proven useful for CSR practice. Benefits of integrating all CSR aspects into a sustainability management system are often claimed. Stakeholder theory can advance CSR practice. This case study explores how a company reacts to and appropriates stakeholder theory through interviews and workshops with the top management of corporate responsibility. This is an empirical addition to the dominant conceptual contributions to stakeholder management framed within the concept of management system thinking. The focus is on identification of stakeholders and the estimation of 'who and what really counts'. This study support conceptual papers and suggest Mitchell and colleagues' model for the initial step of SMS. It shows that theory easily can be practised and that it works well. The company highlighted the discussions where it had to look at stakeholders from different perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on market incentives by the introduction of a construction minerals tax as an example of a resource tax. Currently, various European countries levy taxes or duties on primary construction materials, but a harmonisation of the taxation is not planned. Provided the tax rate has a perceptible price effect, the taxation of a resource can foster a demand management or the reduction of the raw material consumption and the governance of side and secondary effects. A construction minerals tax can target the stimulation of demand for secondary raw materials and recycled products, and-because the reuse of construction and demolition waste has technical limits-a stronger emphasis on the conservation of buildings and infrastructures. This has positive effects on the environment and the innovation efforts and it helps to internalise externalities. Germany, used as a case study in this paper, does not raise any taxes on other raw materials than energy sources at the federal level. For this reason, potential impacts of the introduction of a construction minerals tax will be explored and the results of a simulation will be provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European mining industry has a long tradition providing many regions with growth and employment. However, now in the European Union, consumption of many minerals and especially metals considerably exceeds the EU mining industry's internal supply capability. In the last years, it was pointed out in many EU documents that securing reliable and undistorted access to raw materials is becoming an increasingly important factor in the EU's competitiveness and hence crucial to the success of the Lisbon Partnership for growth and jobs. Therefore, the European mining industry is faced with a major challenge which is creating appropriate ecological, economic and social conditions, referring to the idea of 'growth through opportunity'. In the paper, challenges connected with sustainable production and consumption of mineral resources in the EU has been presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]