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PRESS RELEASE

New Publication

January 2002

Environmental Benefits from Innovative Improvements in Phosphate and Potash Mining

Large volumes of phosphate rock and potash are mined every year to produce mineral fertilizers for agriculture. Unless carefully carried out, such mining activities can have serious environmental impacts from air pollution, water contamination; noise and vibration, and the disposal of large volumes of waste rock. Other potential problems include the lowering of water tables, unstable and unsafe tailings dams, and unsightly landscapes.

This publication discusses some of the measures companies are now taking to address both environmental and social issues. Case studies include a Moroccan company that uses the groundwater from its phosphate mine for rock washing as well as offering water for irrigation of nearby farmers' fields. A Jordanian operation recovers both potash and industrial salt. A South African company traps windblown dust by ploughing furrows in the land perpendicular to the prevailing wind .

This report on the Environmental Aspects of Phosphate and Potash Mining shows how more than thirty operations in eleven countries have enhanced safety and environmental performance in key areas such as worker health and safety, rehabilitation and reclamation of operating sites, and reduction of polluting discharges and emissions. The companies have employed a number of management approaches to ensure efficient implementation of their programmes. Among these are greater use of environmental management systems, and techniques such as environmental monitoring, auditing and reporting.

This increased environmental performance has been driven in part by a growing public and corporate awareness of the issues, which in turn has put more emphasis on effective regulation by national authorities. However, technological developments and the growing awareness that good environmental performance also improves process efficiency, and hence economic returns, have also been important driving forces for change.

This publication is the fifth in a series of studies, jointly published by the United Nations Environment Programme and the International Fertilizer Association. They look at a range of environmental issues concerned with the as production, distribution and use of fertilizers, and its impact on world food supplies. They are useful source books for all those who wish to learn more about environmental management options and techniques in this industry.

Copies of this publication are available from: SMI (Distribution Services) Limited (www.earthprint.com). Electronic copies (in pdf) are available at: www.mineralresourcesforum.org.