1. CAG detects irregularities in mineral trade
2. VSP unions to stage dharna in Delhi for captive mines
3. Hindalco projects face fund blues
4. Russia eager to extend help in Bengal coal mining
5. Adani's 1,980-Mw power project hits green hurdle
6. Indian mining industry asked to be eco friendly
7. Govt to merge public mining companies by third quarter 2009
8. Appeals court overturns new mountaintop mine rules
9. Stimulus bill expected to restart mine cleanup
10. Zambia: State to issue 2 uranium licences
11. Optimism about iron ore mining in red centre
12. Top priority to environment: MP
13. Orissa Govt. 584 child labourers
14. Tribals rise against NREGA officials’ short-shrifting
15. A clear climate change policy is essential for Ulster economy
Mining – India
CAG detects irregularities in mineral trade
Staff Reporter
| Comptroller and Auditor General recommends overhaul of the system to ensure transparency |
CAG report reflects huge goof-up regarding procurement and use of transit Permit books
It questions lack of enroute checking of minerals
Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has detected huge irregularities in mineral trade and recommended an overhaul of the system to ensure transparency.
Signature check
The latest CAG report reflected huge goof-up made by administration regarding procurement and use of transit Permit (TP) books, which are must for carrying out any ‘legal’ mineral transportation.
As per the test checks carried out by auditors, book serial numbers of Transit Permit books were not machine numbered, which is requisite, leaving scope of misuse of numbers, said the CAG report.
Pointing out that signature of check gate officials was not recorded on the face of transit pass surrendered at the check gate, CAG said it indicated that no checks were exercised at the check gates or weighbridges.
“After this was pointed out, the government stated that transit pass books were printed by the lessees due to non-availability of the same from the government press. The reply was, however, silent regarding acceptance of the transit pass by deputy director of mines or check gate authorities without machine numbering which was a pre-requisite,” report said. Similarly, the CAG questioned lack of en-route checking of minerals. When the government was asked, the reply stated that en-route checking was being done though not effectively due to want of adequate staff.
Inspections
Similarly, inspections of mines had not been done as required.
“Scrutiny of records of eight circles revealed that inspections were not conducted as per the above norms. Out of 1,798 inspections required to be conducted in respect of working mines, 262 inspections were conducted during 2003-04 to 2006-07,” the report said. Even the State government had allowed a mine to run without forest clearance for five years.
An iron ore and manganese mine covering an area of 1011.50 ha including 793.350 forestland was handed over to a company in 1982.
After amendment of rule in 1999, the State government allowed the company to run mines with a condition to obtain forest clearance from Central government. However, the company continued mining activities up to 2006.
There were loss of revenues due to injudicious adoption of anticipated production, evasion of royalty due to lack of verification and there was adverse impact on environment for mining operation without forest clearance.
http://www.hindu.com/2009/02/16/stories/2009021656030300.htm
VSP unions to stage dharna in Delhi
Staff Reporter
Leaders from all political parties will be urged to lend their support
Ch. Narsinga Rao of CPI (M) lambasts UPA Government
The unions have resolved to hold a huge dharna in front of Parliament on February 19. Leaders from all the political parties will be urged to lend their support to the demand. Later the unions accompanied by a team of MPs will submit memoranda to the Prime Minister, Union Steel Minister and others.
Members of the recognised union Visakha Steel Workers Union (VSWU), AITUC, CITU, INTUC, TNTUC, Visakha Steel Employees’ Union (VSEU) and others unions will take part in the dharna.
Addressing a meeting at BC gate on Saturday, CPI (M) district secretary and VSWU honorary president Ch. Narsinga Rao came down heavily on the UPA Government for not allotting captive mines to VSP while encouraging private companies due to apparent reasons.
He said they could get mines only through struggle and urged the workers and all those concerned about VSP to make the dharna proposed in
Union deputy general secretary V. Dhanaraju, who presided expressed concern at VSP incurring losses during the third quarter and described how the VSP was facing the heat due to global meltdown.
Production cost
VSWU president D. Adinarayana said the VSP production cost was going up for want of captive mines.
In a statement, Padi Trinadha Rao, honorary president of VSEU said captive mines should be allotted to VSP at the earliest and asked Steel Minister Ram Vilas Paswan to convince the National Joint Council on Steel to accept their demand on wage revision.
http://www.hindu.com/2009/02/15/stories/2009021559500300.htm
Hindalco projects face fund blues |
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| Nevin John / Mumbai February 16, 2009, 0:23 IST |
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The global credit crisis may cast a shadow over the
Foreign brokerage CLSA in its recent report has expressed concerns over the fund-raising plans of Hindalco for its Rs 5,300-crore Utkal Alumina project since the company is looking for joint funding for all its
The bauxite-mining for Utkal project has already been delayed by six months. In the latest presentation, Hindalco said mining will begin by mid-2010 against the earlier deadline of 2009.
“As Hindalco is planning to club the debt tie-up for this project with its other greenfield projects, negotiations with the banks may end up protracted, especially given the global credit scare,” said the report and it added that the management also felt that funding is a relatively "big risk" for the project than any other factors.
The global meltdown in commodity prices has put capex plans of over Rs 2 lakh crore by Indian steel and aluminium companies in jeopardy. Some big-ticket projects that were originally scheduled to go stream by 2012 are being pushed by two years.
Hindalco intends to fund its Utkal project through a debt-equity mix of 70:30. Of the equity contribution of Rs1,600 crore, the company has already infused Rs 750 crore until last December. The company has already made a commitment for additional Rs 3,000 crore, according to Hindalco website.
A spokesperson for Hindalco said, “There was a little delay in getting regulatory approvals and the projects are progressing as per schedule."
Hindalco’s other greenfield projects in the pipeline include Mahan Aluminium, Aditya Smelter & CPP, Aditya Refinery & Mines and Jharkhand Aluminium. The company executive has not disclosed the debt-raising programme of the new projects. The first metal from the Mahan smelter is expected by July 2011. Aditya Refinery is proposed to be mechanically completed by January 2013. The Jharkhand project is expected to be completed by June 2012. January 2011 is the targeted date for the mechanical completion of the Utkal plant and the first alumina is expected to be produced by July 2011.
“The weak demand of the commodities is also a hurdle for the metal companies in raising the fund. As the situation continues to be negative in the credit market, the lenders consider all factors before financing new capacities,” said a Mumbai-based analyst.
Utkal Alumina, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hindalco after it acquired the stake from its joint venture partner Alcan, is setting up a greenfield 1.5 million tonne per annum (mtpa) alumina refinery along with 4.5 mtpa bauxite-mining capacity in Orissa.
CLSA also said Tata Steel's Kalinganagar project, worth about Rs 16,000 crore, has already been delayed by two years. JSW’s Vijaynagar project is already running six to 12 months behind schedule and could be delayed further due to funding difficulties and falling steel demand. SAIL's Rs 54,000-crore brownfield expansion project is also likely to be delayed, said the brokerage.
http://business-standard.com/india/news/hindalco-projects-face-fund-blues/10/30/349138/
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| BS Reporter / Kolkata February 16, 2009, 0:19 IST |
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Speaking on the sidelines of an interactive session organised by Calcutta Chamber of Commerce(CCC), Vladimir V Lazarev, Consul General of Russia in Kolkata said, "
This apart,
"Therefore more focus should be given on improving visa regimes, removing cargo problems and strenthening market information networks", he further added. In 2007, bilateral trade stood at $5 billion while last year bilateral trade was at $7 billion.
Economies of both the countries could possibly cooperate in areas of information technology, hydrocarbon, natural gas and coking coal, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology.
"As it is well known, the Russian experts are offering their expertise at
Russia's export to India are raw materials, ferrous and non ferrous metals, fertilizers and newsprint, while tea, coffee, tobacco, soya meal, spices, medicines, perfume, leather form bulf of its import.
Both countries can also collaborate in the area of tourism for which a 'joint work programme' for 2009-10 has been signed. On an average around 700 visas are issued by the cosulate office in Kolkata per month.
Adani's 1,980-Mw power project hits green hurdle |
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| Makarand Gadgil / Mumbai February 16, 2009, 0:52 IST |
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Environmentalists oppose grant of coal linkage.
Adani Group’s 1,980-Mw power project in the Gondia district of Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region has got caught into a tangle with environmentalists vociferously opposing the grant of coal linkage to the project near the Tadoba Tiger Reserve, home to around 50 tigers.
They fear that mining in the area would destroy the largest tiger reserve in central
The Adani group has sought mining rights on 1,750 acres around the Tadoba Tiger reserve for the project.
Earlier, the state government was in favour of recommending to the central government that the linkage be granted at the proposed site. But it has agreed to appoint the committee in the face of environmental groups and NGOs opposing the project.
Additional Chief Secretary (revenue and forest) JP Dange said that the committee would comprise government officials, representatives of NGOs and locals. Conservator of Forests Shailendra Bahadur will be the convenor of the committee.
Replying to a question, he said that no deadline had been set for the committee but it was asked to submit its report the at earliest as power was being given top priority by the government.
Dange pointed out that the state government has only recommendatory powers and the final decision lies with the central government’s ministry of forest and environment.
The activists claim that the area sought for mining includes prime forest and is part of tigers’ pathway. If it is opened for mining, the tiger reserve will be completely destroyed because the company will use about 50 tonnes of explosive everyday to extract coal.
Indian mining industry asked to be eco friendly
Statesman news Service reported that Orissa Governor Mr MC Bhandare has called upon the mining industry to accord top priority to environment protection and conservation measures.
While speaking at the valedictory ceremony of the week long 11th mines environment and mineral conservation week celebration, organized by Indian Bureau of Mines in association with OCL India Ltd, he said that as mineral is an exhaustible and non-renewable resource and an indispensable item for the survival of many other industries, it should be used economically and extracted scientifically with minimum loss.
An effective conservation program results in a continuous production and sustained availability of critical mineral resources for future generation. It also prevents the waste of natural resources to maintain high quality environment and preserve the natural heritage or genetic diversity for future generation.
He added that upon the mines to prepare a road map to achieve excellence in the field of exemplary care for environment and optimum mineral conservation practices. The sustainable development of mineral industries is possible only through scientific mining and environment management practices, adding that conservation for future generation should be our aim.
Mr CS Gundewar IBM controller general said that stressed on progressive and planned reclamation. Mr Gundewar said that “As the mining industries increase their production, they should simultaneously reclaim the units that have been exhausted. This would strike a balance as while going ahead they would have ensured that the utilized mines are suitably rehabilitated and reconverted into the green tracts they once were.”
Mining – International
Govt to merge public mining companies by third quarter 2009
The
The government has vowed to establish a holding company of state mining firms before the Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono administration ends its term on Oct. 20.
"The holding company will be established this year, it's just a matter of paperwork," said deputy state minister for state-owned enterprises Sahala Rajagukguk in
Sahala added the holding company, which would be named Indonesia Resources Company (IRC), would be fully up and running at the beginning of the third quarter of 2009, before the current administration ends its tenure.
The holding company, he said, would manage gold producer PT Aneka Tambang, tin producer PT Timah and coal producer PT Tambang\ Batubara Bukit Asam, plus manage minority ownership in gold\ producer PT Freeport and aluminum producer PT Indonesia Asahan Aluminium.
The merging of the three companies, he said, was relatively easy to do since all three were already governed using international best practices, which the companies adopted when they first went public.
The merger of the three publicly listed companies is expected to create a global player in mining with a total market capitalization of US$10 billion. (and)
Appeals court overturns new mountaintop mine rules
Sunday, February 15, 2009 11:03:55 PM
A federal appeals court overturned a ruling Friday requiring more extensive environmental reviews of mountaintop removal, a form of coal mining in
A panel of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in
The rulings are a blow to environmentalists and coalfield neighbors who oppose the highly efficient but destructive practice that exposes thin, shallow coal seams. Rocks, dirt and other debris typically are dumped into valleys containing intermittent streams, which is how clean water rules become involved.
The decision is a big win for mine operators. The coal industry says most of the nearly 130 million tons of coal produced at mountaintop mines in Appalachia goes to generate electricity for 24.7 million
Mountaintop permits have slowed to a trickle since March 2007, when the Corps was ordered by U.S. District Judge Chuck Chambers to rescind several permits. It was Chambers' ruling that the appeals court overturned.
"It's Friday the 13th, what do you expect?" said Janet Keating, executive director of the Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition, the lead challenger of the Corps' permits. "We are deeply disappointed.
A half dozen environmental groups, including OVEC and the Sierra Club, blasted the ruling, saying in a news release it will allow up to 90 more mountaintop mines to devastate the region. Already, the groups say more than 1,200 miles of streams have been buried.
"Today the coal industry _ aided by the Bush administration _ is allowing our water to be poisoned," Judy Bonds of Coal River Mountain Watch, said in a statement. "Tomorrow it will be the East Coast's water supply as the mining discharges will reach downstream water sources."
The Corps is reviewing the decision, spokeswoman Peggy Noel said.
"We'll follow the guidance that the court tells us to do," Noel said. "Public health and safety is a top priority of the Corps."
The ruling vacates Chambers' order rescinding four permits issued to Richmond, Va.-based Massey Energy Co., along with an injunction barring Massey from using the permits and the decision involving the settling ponds.
"Even though we have not had an opportunity to fully review the 4th Circuit's decision, we are pleased with the fact it has rejected Judge Chambers' previous ruling," Massey spokesman Jeff Gillenwater said in an e-mail. "This should put an end to much of the uncertainty regarding the issuance of surface mine permits."
Massey, the nation's fourth-largest coal producer based on revenue, and other mine operators have been bracing for the better part of two years for potential production cuts stemming from an inability to get permits.
West Virginia Coal Association President Bill Raney praised the decision, saying it brings stability to the industry at a time when it faces sluggish demand due to the weak economy.
"It's so reassuring to have the stability of the appeals court that recognizes the professionalism of the Corps of Engineers," Raney said. "They really protected the jobs of the miners."
National Mining Association spokesman Luke Popovich called the ruling "potentially very significant economic news and very good news for the region."
Coal companies have been cutting production, closing mines and laying off workers across the country amid anemic demand, particularly for utility coal overseas and coking coal used to fire steel mill blast furnaces. At least 1,310 jobs have been trimmed at various Appalachian mines in recent weeks.
Meanwhile, American consumers are facing higher electric rates as 2009 coal delivery contracts take effect that were signed last year, at a time when prices had risen as much as double from the year before.
"We think this could easily free up more supply," Popovich said. That could help bring down fuel costs for electricity.
Stimulus bill expected to restart mine cleanup
WASHINGTON (AP) — When the Beal Mountain mine opened in 1988 near
Pegasus Gold Corp., a Canadian company, extracted nearly 460,000 ounces of gold over a decade before closing the mine and declaring bankruptcy in 1998.
It left behind a 70-acre, cyanide-contaminated leach pond with a leaky liner and tons of rubble that sends selenium-laced runoff into streams, threatening cutthroat trout and other fish. The $6.2 million reclamation bond posted by the company doesn't come close to covering the full cost to clean up the mine, which could total nearly $40 million.
"There is a real ticking time bomb up there," said Josh Vincent, president of a Trout Unlimited chapter near the mine, which sits on U.S. Forest Service land.
Efforts to clean up one of the West's most enduring and dangerous legacies — tens of thousands of abandoned hardrock mines, many dating to the 19th century — should get a boost from the economic stimulus bill awaiting President Barack Obama's signature.
The final bill, approved by the House and Senate on Friday, contains more than $1.5 billion for construction and maintenance projects in the Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service and the Forest Service. That includes addressing pollution and safety hazards caused by abandoned mines on public lands.
The three agencies together spent about $25 million on mine cleanup in the budget year that ended last Sept. 30, according to the staff of Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., one of the lawmakers who sought the money.
Projects ranging from repairing trails to replacing equipment also are eligible for the money, so there is no guarantee the money will be spent on mine cleanup. The bill says preference is supposed to go to projects that generate most jobs.
Advocates for cleaning up abandoned mines say the work is a strong job-generator.
"These much needed funds will create thousands of jobs, reduce water pollution, eliminate public safety threats, and restore fish and wildlife habitat in rural communities across the country," said Lauren Pagel, policy director for Earthworks, an environmental group focused on mining issues.
The Government Accountability Office estimates there are at least 161,000 abandoned hardrock mines in
The Environmental Protection Agency estimates it could cost as much as $50 billion to clean up all the nation's abandoned hardrock mines.
Anti-tax groups questioned whether mine clean up merits funds at all, considering that the bill is intended to jump-start the economy. Cleanups are temporary and unlikely to have any lasting economic effect, said Pete Sepp, a spokesman for the National Taxpayers Union, which advocates for less government spending.
"It's not like anyone is going to dig in these mines ever again," he said.
A report last year by the Interior Department's inspector general said abandoned mines on BLM and National Park Service land are exposing people to dangerous contaminants such as arsenic, lead and mercury. Other dangers include deadly gases, collapsing mine walls and explosive chemicals.
Among the dangers outlined in the report: all-terrain vehicle riders falling into abandoned mine shafts.
In 2007, a 13-year-old girl was killed and her 10-year-old sister seriously injured when the all-terrain vehicle they were riding ran off a trail and fell into a 125-foot mine shaft a short distance from a BLM campground near Chloride, Ariz.
At the Mojave National Preserve in
"The potential for more deaths and injuries is ominous," the report said.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ifgZE4QYSZRIjP6BIMH_5VyO9y4QD96C1EC00
Zambia
Sunday, 15 February 2009
mining_3.jpg
THE Government is now ready to issue uranium mining licences to two of the four investors who applied for them under the new legislation, Mines and Minerals Development Deputy Minister Boniface Nkhata has said. According to online mining news publication Miningmx.com, Mr Nkhata said at the ongoing Mining Indaba conference in
“Four mining companies have applied for uranium mining permits under recently established legislation and two of these will be granted the licences in the first quarter of 2009,” the minister said.
He said the developments in the world financial market had affected production in
Zambia expects copper production to fall to around 600,000 tonnes this year from a planned 700,000 tonnes because of shutdowns in the sector grappling with low copper prices.
“For 2009, we were predicting 700,000 tonnes but we’ve revised that figure down to about 600,000 tonnes,” he said on the sidelines of the conference.
The Government had to back down from its higher tax regime because of the reversal of high copper prices, canning the windfall tax introduced last year and increasing capital allowance to 100 per cent to promote investment in the country.
Custom duties on copper have been abolished and copper and cobalt concentrates now qualify for an import deferment scheme for Value Added Tax purposes.
“These measures are aimed at reducing operating costs for the mining companies.
“Although the sector recorded positive growth, it was affected by the sharp decline in metal prices in the third quarter of 2008, thereby, dampening the prospects of higher growth and profitability,” Mr Nkhata told delegates.
Luanshya Copper Mines and Chambishi Metals have both suspended mining and metallurgical work.
In addition, exploration projects have been severely affected across the mining sector because projects have no revenue streams and are mainly dependent on stock exchanges and loans from the banks for financing.
On oil exploration, the deputy minister said the Government had demarcated 29 blocs for oil and gas exploration.
http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18609&Itemid=108
Optimism about iron ore mining in red centre
Monday, 16/02/2009
The search for iron ore in Central Australia is still going ahead, despite drastic drops in the value of the metal.
Perth exploration company TNG will continue drilling at its Mt Peake site, 280 kilometres north of Alice Springs, until the end of this month.
Exploration director Paul Burton says it could be home to a significant iron ore mine in the next five to six years, even though demand is down.
"Everything does turn around, it's one of the basic commodities for developing nations," he says.
"You can always imagine that demand for high quality iron ore, in particular steel-making products, will always be in demand in the future.
"We are actively looking at bringing some investment in from China to help develop our projects."
http://www.abc.net.au/rural/news/content/200902/s2492393.htm
Other News – India
Top priority to environment: MP
16 Feb 2009, 0215 hrs IST, Rajendra P Kerkar, TNN
PANAJI: Stating that a small state like Goa and Konkan region should give topmost priority to protect the environment, MP and former minister for
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environment and forests Suresh Prabhu has said
that by protecting environment and making judicious use of natural resources it is possible to achieve sustainable development.
Speaking at a press conference organized at Hirabai Zantye memorial hall, Bicholim, on Saturday night, Prabhu said, "When the whole world is very much concerned about protection of environment and ecology due to increasing threats of global warming and climate change, a small state like Goa and the Konkan region should give topmost priority for the protection of environment."
Emphasising the need to protect the Western Ghats, which pass through Maharashtra and Goa, he said that these were a lifeline to the people of southern India and also one of the hotspots of biodiversity in the world.
"In 1999, I submitted a proposal for eco-medical tourism to the UNDP to be undertaken in Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra as the area has a rich variety of medicinal plants and herbs. However, it did not materialize till date," he said.
The MP also said that before undertaking any work of an industry or developmental project, he, as a minister, would make it mandatory to conduct a public hearing. "But, in many cases, it is found that in spite of strong opposition to the project in the public hearing, the ministry of environment and forests (MOEF) has given consent which is unjust and undemocratic," he asserted.
Prabhu also said, "Mining is not a suitable industry for Konkan as it will result in massive environmental
degradation and deforestation."
With regard to the excavation work on the Kalsa canal at Kankumbi by Karnataka and Virdi irrigation project by Maharashtra, he said that there is no uniform policy on the utilization of water resources.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Goa/Top_priority_to_environment_MP_/articleshow/4133304.cms
Orissa Govt. 584 child labourers
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Report by Orissadiary correspondent; Bhubaneswar: The State government said it had rescued 584 child labourers who were working in hazardous atmosphere.
This was said by State Labour Minister Pradipta Kumar Naik in state assembly. He said that field officers had conducted raids on 3,981 organisations where 1,467 child labourers were identified.
While 584 child labourers were rescued, 174 children were sent to their respective parents, Mr. Naik said. To another query, the Labour minister said between the year 2004 and 2006, 4,00,399 child labourers were identified in 18 districts and subsequently 86,062 child labourers were enumerated in rest 12 districts.
http://www.orissadiary.com/Shownews.asp?id=10830
Tribals rise against NREGA officials’ short-shrifting
Parimal Dabhi Posted: Feb 15, 2009 at 0106 hrs IST
Ahmedabad: One hundred tribal migrant labourers from Naroda village in Panchmahals district are planning to challenge an order issued by the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) authorities in the state. It sanctions the payment of unemployment allowance to only one labourer and that too for six days.
As per the case details, 100 villagers of Naroda had moved a petition in the Gujarat High Court in July 2007, under the banner of Gramin Mazdoor Sabha demanding unemployment allowance for around 90 days under the NREGA provisions.
The group had contended that in spite of officially demanding work in April 2007, the Gram Panchayat failed to provide it on April 30, 2007.
In their reply, the authorities said that work could not be done on April 30 due to the absence of labourers. Work started on May 7 after labourers turned up at the worksite, they said. After hearing the two sides, the HC ordered H N Chhibbar, Additional Commissioner, Rural Development and State Co-ordinator for NREGA, to look into the matter and pass an appropriate order. He granted unemployment allowance to only one labourer.
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Chhibbar told Newsline: “After going through the claims, I held a meeting of the Gram Sabha and asked all the 100 petitioners to remain present. In the Daily Work Register of the Gram Panchayat, there were signatures of five people. Among the five, three said the signatures were not theirs and only one person (Jalu Dabhi) admitted that it was his signature. So, I passed the order to give unemployment allowance for six days to that person only.”
Himanshu Banker, general secretary of Gujarat Mazdoor Sabha, who represented the labourers before the court, said: “Dhabi has admitted that it was his signature, but he has also said the Gram Panchayat officials got it done by pressurising him. The Additional Commissioner has ignored Dabhi's statement that 99 others were also present with him on April 30, 2007 when no work was given to them by the Gram Panchayat.”
According to Banker, the 100 labourers received employment for around 10 days out of around three-and-a-half-months, after April 30, 2007. “We will challenge the order at a higher court,” he said.
Chhibbar refused to comment on Banker's questions on his order. He said: “It is their point of view and I cannot challenge it.”
Incidentally, this is the first time in Gujarat that somebody has received unemployment allowance under the NREGA.
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/tribals-rise-against-nrega-officials-shorts.../423712/
A clear climate change policy is essential for Ulster economy
By David Ford, Alliance leader
Monday, 16 February 2009
Cluimate change should be one of the key priorities of every government. It impacts on food prices and energy prices, as well as our wider economy.
Northern Ireland needs to demonstrate strategic thinking on the environment to take account of these side effects, but given local Minister Sammy Wilson’s recent performance, few would have confidence in him to push the Stormont Executive to do so. After all, he recently blocked the introduction of an advertisement urging people to reduce their energy use.
You might ask what sort of advert Sammy Wilson as Environment Minister is for Northern Ireland? His personal opinions appear to contradict the views of his Department and his party on climate change.
The statistics on climate change speak for themselves. According to the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, the world has warmed by 0.15 degrees centigrade per decade since 1970. Here in Northern Ireland, four out of the 10 warmest years on record occurred in the last decade.
There can be no doubt that climate change is going to have huge impacts on our economy, environment, and daily lives. Yet, it seems that the Executive is failing to acknowledge that a problem exists, and is leaving our society open to real damage.
Do Ministers realize that Northern Ireland has the least protected environment in the UK and Ireland? Do they realise that Kilroot Power Station is responsible for approximately 20% of Northern Ireland’s CO2 emissions?
Presiding over this inefficiency is an ineffective environmental watchdog — the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, an agency of the Department of the Environment.
In Northern Ireland, this body is responsible for the environment — but unlike in other parts of the UK, it is not independent of the government.
Despite the Executive parties’ claims to be environmentally friendly, their policies lack robustness and commitment.
The Alliance vision is that Northern Ireland should exploit its position on the ‘Emerald Isle’ to become a centre for best environmental practice and to develop sustainability and the green economy to boost economic development in this difficult financial climate.
To achieve this vision, Alliance emphasises that a protected environment, something which is integral to a good quality of life, requires all individuals, communities and businesses to accept responsibility for their actions. The focus of environmental policy needs to rest on the potential of renewable energy to maximise efficiency and minimise pollution.
Renewable energy systems need to be made more readily available to the general public. There must be a proper scheme of grants to householders and small businesses which will assist local companies to develop markets.
Northern Ireland is well placed to take advantage of the potential of both wind and wave energy, and the Executive should be doing its best to maximise this potential.
According to the Renewable Energy Centre, the UK has more usable wind power than any other European country, and Northern Ireland specifically has one of the best wind resources in Europe.
It also has some of the strongest tidal streams in the world. It is imperative that we harness these capabilities.
Another priority must be the establishment of an independent Environmental Protection Agency that would have the power to enforce environmental legislation.
In Northern Ireland, we are at a very critical stage in terms of climate change.
The region could face large financial penalties from the European Union if the Executive does not raise the standard of its practices and policies in the near future.
Environmental sustainability is supposed to be a key overarching theme across all government policies, but this is not happening in practice.
Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness must take a strong stance, backed by the expertise which exists within the Department of the Environment.
There are major opportunities for Northern Ireland if we start to use our natural advantages to develop our green economy and fight climate change.
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