Wroclaw, International Conference

The EU is the world's largest consumer of minerals, and among the world's largest producers of some minerals. However, the overall minerals trade balance is negative, showing the strong dependence of the EU on imports for its raw materials supply. EU documents emphasise the fact that strong dependence on fossil fuels such as oil and inefficient use of raw materials exposes EU consumers and businesses to harmful and costly price shocks, threatening economic security and contributing to climate change. Therefore, securing reliable and free access to raw materials is increasingly becoming an important factor for the EU’s competitiveness and, hence, crucial to the success of the Lisbon Partnership for growth and jobs. Following the Europe 2020 strategy, the EU needs to transform itself into a smart, sustainable and inclusive economy, delivering high levels of employment, productivity and social cohesion. Given this trend, the challenge for the European mining industry is to ensure that the right balance is struck between the economic, social and environmental objectives, in line with “growth through opportunity”).

During the conference priority issues for the 21st century will be discussed concerning opportunities for the development of an environmentally friendly, economically viable and socially acceptable mining industry. The impact on international competitiveness and globalization on the position of companies in Europe will also be presented. The conference can be an opportunity to exchange ideas on economic issues, and on the social and environmental aspects of the mining industry in Europe. It can also be a forum for the development of tools for promoting CSR, as an important element of long-term confidence of workers and consumers. 

Conference topics will be devoted mainly to the following issues:

• the availability of mineral resources to EU countries,

• appropriate framework conditions within the EU to ensure stable access to raw materials from European sources,

• opportunities for the development of the European mining industry in the light of international competitiveness and globalization,

• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) - the tendencies in EU policy, the role of CSR in the strategies of large, medium and small mining companies, purposes of CSR, reporting rules - the methods, trends, data and indicators used,

• health and safety in mining activities - exchange of experience in the field of ensuring mining safety,

• promoting the efficient use of resources and recycling to reduce the consumption of primary raw materials in the EU and to reduce the relative dependence on imports,

• delivering low carbon solutions, which can contribute toward meeting the EU targets,

• promoting eco-innovation in the mining industry - new trends and practical solutions, new sources of raw material resources (e.g. waste).