Mineral Exploration Trends within the European Union

摘要

The mining sector provides jobs in areas of the European Union where otherwise little job opportunities are given. Land access and efficiency of exploration are key factors for the future development of the industry, but land access has to be carefully evaluated against the potential environmental impacts. Proper implementation of mining legislation is also an essential pre-condition for ensuring effective environmental protection and, at the same time, an even-handed treatment of the industry. The main factors influencing investment decisions for the development of new operations are market demand forecasts, geological conditions, access to risk capital, land available for exploration, public provision of geoscientific data and information, and a legal and administrative framework, which permits predictable decisions.