Mining companies start commission

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32667, 24 July 1971, Page 17

Mining companies start commission

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, July 23. A group of major mining companies has set up an independent commission on British mining and the environment.

A statement issued in London by Rio Tinto Zinc said the mining companies have decided it is up to them to show their good faith.

They will do this by taking “a responsible public initiative to see that the facts, problems, and issues are authoritatively reviewed by an independent body and that all concerned have an opportunity for their points of view to be taken into consideration.” The five-man commission will be headed by Lord Zuckerman, who resigned in March this year as chief scientific adviser to the Government. Its members represent landowners, academics, and consultants.

The companies setting up the commission are Rio Tinto Zinc, American Metal Climax, Charter Consolidated, Consolidated Gold Fields, Norannda Mines, Selection

Trust, and Union Corporation.

The move is taken against the background of the British Government’s recent announcement that $53.5m will be made available to encourage the search for nonferrous metals in Britain.

In yesterday’s statement, the companies make it clear they are concerned at recent successes the powerful conservation movement has had in Britain.

"With the geology of Britain, mineralisation is most likely to occur in the more attractive and remote areas often designated as national parks. “No independent study has been taken to attempt to coordinate an annual programme of mineral development with a national programme of safeguarding the environment,” it said. The commission will begin work in September, and its report is expected about the middle of next year.