BOOK REVIEWS

INFORMATION - New Publication

July, 2000

"Sustainable Development and the Future of Mineral Investment"

Edited by: James M. Otto and John A. Cordes

While many books exist exploring the concept of sustainable development, none appear to adequately considered the unique nature of minerals and other non-renewable natural resources.

"Sustainable Development and the Future of Mineral Investment" is the outcome of a collaboration effort of the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), the Institute for Global Resources Policy and Management at Colorado School of Mines in the USA, and the Metal Mining Agency of Japan.

The book aims to reach a wide audience of readers to help explore and analyse how the principles of sustainable development can be extended to mineral enterprises. The content of the book has been maintained at mainly a non-technical level understandable by readers who are not expert in this specific area, in order to promote the understanding of issues surrounding the mineral industries and to stimulate discussion of welfare-enhancing solutions.

The publication consists of the following chapters:

Chapter 1. Normative and Philosophical Perspectives on Sustainable Development
Chapter 2. Sustainable Development and the Mineral Industry
Chapter 3. The Stakeholders: Interests and Objectives
Chapter 4. Institutional Frameworks: Process and Implementation
Chapter 5. Engaging Stakeholders
Chapter 6. National Assessment Methodologies and Measures
Chapter 7. Project Assessment Methodologies and Measures: The Contribution of Mining Projects to Sustainable Development

The first two chapters focus on the concept of sustainable development itself—generally and with specific reference to the mining industry. Chapters Three, Four and Five focus on the process of decision-making that determines how the industry operates and the outcomes that result. The first of these identifies the major interests and needs of the stakeholders. Chapter Four provides an assessment of the various regulatory mechanisms available to support efforts to achieve more sustainable outcomes. Chapter Five focuses on the negotiation process itself and explores how the various stakeholders can become effectively involved in decisions. The final two chapters address issues of methodology and measurement at project and the more aggregated levels.

UNEP is pleased to collaborate in producing this publication. We hope that all readers will find it thought-provoking and valuable in understanding sustainable mineral development.

ORDER INFORMATION

Sustainable Development and the Future of Mineral Investment

ISBN: 92-807-1913-0
US$50

Please request the order form by contacting the following distributor:

SMI (Distribution Services) Limited
P.O. Box 119 Stevenage
Hertfordshire SG1 4TP England
Fax: +44 1438 748 844
Email: enqire@smibooks.com