Andean region faces significant challenges in managing environmental mining legacies, but progress is being made in recent years. Most countries in the region have developed regulatory frameworks to address these challenges, focusing on preventive measures such as environmental impact assessments and closure plans. However, corrective actions remain a growing concern, particularly for abandoned and orphaned mines.
Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru have implemented various instruments to manage environmental mining legacies, including environmental impact assessments, closure plans, financial guarantees, and corrective action plans. Notably, Colombia and Peru have specific laws on environmental legacies and remediation, while Germany and Canada have established comprehensive systems for managing contaminated sites and abandoned mines.
International approaches to environmental legacy management emphasize the importance of clear definitions, risk assessment systems, well-defined responsibilities, and adequate funding mechanisms. Financing mechanisms include public funding from tax revenues, public-private partnerships, international assistance, and private voluntary contributions.
The cases studied highlight the benefits of remediation, including reducing environmental risks, creating economic value, generating jobs, and improving social cohesion. Successful interventions often involve cooperative models and the participation of civil society, particularly Indigenous communities.
Moving forward, the region needs to strengthen its institutional frameworks, enhance inter-institutional coordination, and develop diversified financing mechanisms to effectively manage environmental mining legacies. Prioritizing the inventory and remediation of high-risk sites, promoting voluntary participation, and incorporating climate change considerations into remediation planning are crucial for ensuring a sustainable and inclusive mining sector in the Andean region.
