For most countries in the Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia (EECCA) region, mining is an important economic sector that contributes to employment and public revenue. It is also a major historic source of environmental damage, and continues to have the potential for immediate and long-term negative environmental effects. Governments in the region have a vital role to support better environmental performance in the mining sector and ensuring the industry can be a progressive part of a greener economy.

The shift to a greener global economy will continue to demand significant quantities of natural resources, including copper, lithium and cobalt. However, the mining sector is a major potential source of immediate and long-term environmental damage. In the Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia (EECCA) region, the extraction of mineral resources remains an important contributor to export earnings, employment and public revenue at the national and sub-national level.The International Council of Mines and Metals’ 2016 Mining Contribution Index measures the significance of the mining sector’s contribution to national economies. Three EECCA countries (Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan) rank among the top ten globally. Two others (Ukraine and Armenia) are in the top 20. In 2015, in the Kyrgyz Republic, Uzbekistan and Armenia mineral rents constituted 7.5%, 4.6% and 3.2% of gross domestic product respectively. In the same year, ores and metal exports contributed 44.4%, 15.6% and 12% of total merchandise exports in Armenia, Georgia and Kazakhstan. Governments have a vital role to play in supporting better environmental performance in the mining sector. They can ensure that industry is a progressive partner in promoting green economic growth and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

This chapter discusses the environmental impacts of mining operations at different stages of the mine lifecycle, including impacts on water, soil, biodiversity and climate change. It also provides context on sustainability trends and drivers in the mining sector. Mining across the countries of Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia (EECCA) is explored, with a focus on its economic importance and the need to improve environmental performance. Finally, this report is put in context with ongoing OECD work related to the region and to the mining sector, as well as projects and conventions at the international level that can help shape sustainability and the mining sector in the EECCA region.

This chapter explores how different technology trends are impacting the mining sector. Although in many cases the uptake of these technologies is driven by the potential to improve efficiency and competitiveness, they also help reduce the environmental impact of mining activities. Most of these technologies also have application beyond mining and can support linkage development to other sectors of the economy. Topics addressed include automation, remote control, electrification, renewable energy, digitalisation and remote sensing, with specific attention to both environmental and economic benefits. The impact of economic shifts towards electric vehicles, renewable energy and continuing economic digitalisation on metal demand is also discussed.

This chapter explores different areas where public policy can support better environmental performance in the mining sector and build linkages to the green economy. This includes developing a whole of government approach and engaging a broad range of stakeholders. The chapter discusses regulatory approaches at different stages of the mining process, as well as the challenge of orphaned mines, and the potential to reprocess abandoned mines. It also looks at policies to support innovation and capacity building, as well as developing linkages to the circular economy. It concludes with a series of key recommendations.