C 3–3 Tip–Checklists Mining/Extracting natural materials

Introduction
Consider the following points as ideas for biodiversity-preserving actions:
C 3–3–1 Mining inorganic materials: Reduction of impacts on biodiversity through sustainable mining and extraction processes.
Determine the materials origin coming from? Find out what the basic environmental situation is during the extraction process and come up with ways to optimise this.

Applicable / Feasible?

Introduce environmental standards for raw material suppliers to protect biodiversity in the mining process. These standards should meet and exceed existing minimum standards. Use the know how and competencies of nature and environmental conservation organisations.

Applicable / Feasible?

Make a point of avoiding land use conflicts. Check the area for possible “buffer” or protection areas for the local endangered species. A specific example of this would be to arrange for a withdrawal area for bats in unused areas of land.

Applicable / Feasible?

Take into account the possibility of using connection and renaturisation tools for areas influenced by mining practices.

Applicable / Feasible?

In the extraction process make sure to inform your preliminary product suppliers about such biodiversity protecting practices.

Applicable / Feasible?

C 3–3–2 Mining organic materials: Reduction of impacts on biodiversity through sustainable mining and extraction processes.
Determine the materials origin coming from. Find out what the basic environmental situation is during the extraction process and come up with ways to optimise this.

Applicable / Feasible?

Introduce environmental standards for raw material suppliers to protect biodiversity in the mining process. These standards should meet and exceed existing minimum standards. Use the know how and competencies of nature and environmental conservation organisations.

Applicable / Feasible?

Make a point of avoiding land use conflicts. Check the mining impacted areas for possible parallel uses or development options.

Applicable / Feasible?

Watch the use patterns and the use intensity of natural areas. Only extract limited amounts of materials from areas to ensure future regeneration possibilities. Take into account that certain species and materials regenerate at varying speeds.

Applicable / Feasible?

Try to keep the extent of use, even on areas with a low intensity use, to a minimum.

Applicable / Feasible?

Instead of choosing collections of wild agricultural products, try to use sustainably cultivated products. This helps to protect natural ecosystems. Get advice from environmental experts in individual cases where caution is necessary to ensure low impacts on the local biodiversity.

Applicable / Feasible?

Run actions to support the regeneration of organic materials, for example the (re)introduction of seeds in impacted ecosystems.

Applicable / Feasible?

Pay attention to quality aspects when implementing the above-mentioned tools and actions concerning regeneration of organic materials. This goes for genetic diversity especially. For example when sowing diaspores, special attention should be paid to the genetic mix of the seeds.

Applicable / Feasible?

Additional Tips
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Helpful Links und Organisations for Detailed Checklists C 3–1 , C 3–2 and 3–3

undefinedwww.biodiversityhotspots.org

The biodiversityhotspots.org webpage is an initiative of the US non-profit organisation Conservation International. Its goal is to preserve the biodiversity of plants, animals and landscapes around the world. They place a particular emphasis on “biodiversity hotspots” – land and ocean areas with rather high diversity of species.

undefinedwww.ethos.org.br

The Brazilian non-profit organisation, Ethos, exemplifies a network focused on responsible businesses in newly industrialised countries, as these are often the country of origin for many raw and preliminary materials.

undefinedwww.icmm.com

The International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) is an initiative, which represents many other large international mining and steal production enterprises as well as regional and national organisations. It plays a crucial role in spreading “good practices” around and improving industry standards. It is also an industry and stakeholder platform focused on overcoming the new challenges surrounding the principles of sustainable development.

undefinedhttp://lcinitiative.unep.fr

The United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) and the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) have started the Lifecycle Initiative with the goal of better implementing various aspects of a product’s lifecycle in practice. This also includes developing helpful tools, data sets and indicators for product manufacturers of all industries. This information will be made available through an online webpage. The webpage provides additional information about regional networks. 

undefinedwww.netzwerk-naturschutz-le.at

The Austrian Netzwerk Naturschutz (Nature Protection Network) presents transparent information on its website about nature conservation measures and implementation issues in rural development. This site supports a standardised interpretation as well as an important transnational platform for exchanging experiences.  DOC MISSING

undefinedwww.unglobalcompact.org

The UN Global Compact is a strategic initiative for businesses are committed to act and develop strategies according to ten universally recognised principles, to which environmental issues belong.

undefinedwww.wbcsd.org

The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) has a database of case studies and best practice examples from businesses in many branches.  They also give good examples for supply chain programmes. You will also find a number of links and resources about environmental initiatives. 

undefinedwww.unep-wcmc.org

The UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre provides a lot of information about biodiversity, endangered species and their protection.  This information is visually integrated into the website with a number of interactive maps showing where endangered species can be found worldwide.

Logo: CSM
Logo: Leuphana