This paper is also available in French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, and Russian.
This discussion paper was prepared to support regional consultations held on the implementation of the United Nations Environment Assembly Resolution on Mineral Resource Governance (UNEP/EA.4/Res. 19). The consultations aim to obtain feedback on the governance of extractive industries and understand the political landscape as well as regional needs. More specifically, and as requested by the UNEA-4 resolution, the consultations will also help identify best practices and knowledge gaps, assess governance options, and consider common elements of interest for next steps.
The discussion paper summarises global trends in minerals and sustainable development and presents key findings from recent studies of mineral governance developed by UNEP and others. Options for the governance of minerals and lessons from best practices are also discussed. Questions are posed for consideration during consultations and future action on the topic. Findings from the regional consultations will feed into the report on the implementation of the resolution, which will be presented to the UNEA at its fifth session in February 2021.