The gold industry will face stricter environmental regulations and stronger oversight, according to Minister Patrick Brunings of Oil, Gas and Environment. The minister wants the sector to continue, but stresses that the conditions under which gold companies operate must be tightened.
“The gold industry will not be stopped, but the rules of the game must be tightened,” Brunings says. According to him, the announced course calls for a stronger Nationale Milieu Autoriteit (NMA, National Environmental Authority) and better cooperation between the agencies responsible for environmental oversight and enforcement.
According to the minister, adjustments have now been made regarding the sale of mercury. Under the new rules, the substance may no longer simply be sold over the counter, he states. In addition, an expert assessment will be conducted to determine what further improvements are needed in environmental policy and enforcement.
More capacity for inspections
To strengthen oversight, financial resources have been made available for the NMA, according to Brunings. These will be used, among other things, for additional staff, training, technology and means of transport for field inspections.
According to the minister, the NMA currently still fulfils an advisory role to a significant extent. He wants to accelerate the further development of the organisation so that it can better exercise its powers as an environmental authority. “Things will be done differently,” Brunings said.
During field inspections, cooperation with other government agencies remains necessary. According to the minister, the NMA is not yet able to carry out certain tasks fully independently. He stresses that environmental protection and enforcement are also the responsibility of other authorities.
Organisation still under development
The ministry is meanwhile working on the composition of the NMA’s management team. Various positions on the supervisory board still have to be filled as well. According to Brunings, candidates have now been put forward to the government.
Although the NMA’s tasks and powers are laid down in the Milieuraamwet (Environmental Framework Act), the related regulations must be further implemented and adjusted where necessary. According to the minister, there is political will within the government to strengthen the organisation’s position.
The remit of the Ministry of Oil, Gas and Environment has also not yet been fully elaborated. Brunings wants the remaining tasks and powers to be established through presidential decision-making before the budget is considered.
