The policy aims to encourage private investment in exploration and development of
mining and downstream processing. One specifically environmental policy objective
is to reduce the danger of ecological damage arising from mining operations as well
as damage on the health of workers and inhabitants of the neighbourhood through
air, water and land. This will be done through new and existing legislation.
Environmental concerns are currently addressed by Statutory Instrument No. 28
(1997), Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, enacted under the provisions
of the Environmental Protection and Pollution Control Act of 1990.
The Mines and Minerals Act provides for the granting of mining rights, prospecting,
mining, disposal of minerals, conservation and protection of air, water, soil, flora,
fisheries and scenic attractions in or on the land over which the mining right is sought.
It also provides for EIA, air quality and emission standards, storage, handling and
processing of hazardous materials, and regulates mine dumps. Specific guidelines for
environmental protection in mining operations are contained in Statutory Instrument
No. 29 (1997), also called the Mines and Minerals (Environmental) Regulations of
1997, and enacted under the Mines and Minerals Act of 1995.