Mining policy framework: mining and sustainable development

The Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development supports more than 80 member countries to advance sustainable development objectives through effective mining laws, policies, and regulations. The IGF's cornerstone Mining Policy Framework (MPF) represents the best practices required for good environmental, social, and economic governance of the mining sector and the generation and equitable sharing of benefits to contribute to sustainable development. The MPF was first ratified by IGF members in 2010 before being tabled in 2011 at the 19th session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD19) in New York. Delegates at CSD19 recognized the MPF as a way to provide a systemic approach to developing mining in accordance with sustainable development principles. In 2023, IGF members ratified an updated MPF that outlines international best practices throughout the full mining life cycle and affirms the IGF’s mandate to work on the following six policy areas: Laws, policies, and institutions,
Financial benefits, Socio-economic benefits, Environmental management, Post-mining transition; and Artisanal and small-scale mining.