BOOKS IN REVIEW — Environmental guidelines from Berlin

Mining and the Environment — The Berlin Guideline. Published by Mining Journal Books, 60 Worship St., London, England EC2 A2HD. 180 pages.

An international roundtable conference “Mining and Environment” was held in Berlin in June, 1991. Organized by a United Nations institution and a German one, the meeting was convened to formulate international principles, guidelines and national regulatory standards on mining. Emphasis was on developing countries.

The book describes environmental aspects of non-ferrous mining, such as potential sources of contaminants, acid mine drainage and control technology. There are also discussions on small-scale mining in developing countries, mining and environmental taxes, economic aspects of environmental protection, environmental management, and social and cultural impacts.

The book closes with the environmental guidelines reached in Berlin and with case studies in different countries.

A good source of information, it is recommended to seasoned mining personnel and anyone interested in the subject.

— Reviewed by Randy Billing, national director of mining for Ernst & Young in the Toronto office.