ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAMME 308
The International Training Programme (ITP308): 'Mine water and mine waste management' aims to increase knowledge about mining and sustainability. The training focuses on improving permitting and inspection procedures within governmental agencies across the world.
Mining provides raw materials for construction of infrastructure, energy production and for all tools and appliances we use daily. Our society depends on mining for supply of raw materials, not only metals but also non-metal resources such as building stone, limestone, sand and potash. While mining supplies the raw materials we need, the mining industry can also be an important employer, investor and tax payer contributing to local, regional and national economies.
At the same time as the benefits of mining are apparent there are few industries that impact the environment in such an obvious and intrusive way. Mining and the waste left by mining can seriously impact the environment and the people depending on it. Mining also has social impacts on local communities, often born from environmental impacts such as reduced availability of water. Governance of the mining industry requires knowledge about a broad spectrum of subjects, from geology and geochemistry to social impacts and human rights. Managing and mitigating the environmental and social impacts of mining has come to be one of the most considered aspects when planning, reviewing, permitting and managing mining projects.
The programme is funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and organized by the Geological Survey of Sweden (SGU) in collaboration with Luleå University of Technology (LTU) and Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA).