Bauxite Mining Sustainably

Abstract

In 1990, the International Aluminum Institute began a program to report on the bauxite mining and rehabilitation activities of the worldwide industry. A survey process was initiated and reports were published in 1992, 2000 and 2004. The most recent report includes extensive data on mines representing over 70% of the world’s output of bauxite and includes a more detailed focus on the social and economic as well as the environmental performance of the industry.

Results of the survey show that the bauxite mining industry is continuously improving its rehabilitation performance, with rehabilitated areas increasing faster than mined areas, and that it is dedicated to minimizing the environmental impacts of its actions. As well as this the industry is engaging local communities, utilizing local knowledge and experience and investing considerable resources in socio-economic development programs, in addition to its role as an employer and taxpayer. The collected data demonstrates that the bauxite mining industry is improving in its aim to operate in a sustainable manner.