The growing global demand for raw materials offers opportunities for resource-rich developing and emerging economies, but also presents them with challenges: Without climate and environmentally friendly mining practices, negative impacts of mining may increase, the climate footprint may be burdened and the environment in surrounding communities affected.

Deforestation, pollution of water, air and soil or the loss of biodiversity are potential consequences of raw material extraction. The Sector Programme works to minimise environmental risks in mining.

Impacts of the mining sector affect women and girls differently than men. Women suffer more from the negative impacts of mining, such as soil and water pollution or the risk of disease. Mining is one of the least gender-equal work sectors in the world. Learn more about gender equality in mining and how the sector programme is working to achieve it.

The sector programme supports with its activities the implementation of indigenous rights and free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) to create a responsible supply chains and a sustainable mining sector.