Mexican government focuses on environment

Until a couple of decades ago, terms such as “ecology,” “pollution,” “environmental protection” and “reforestation” were seldom heard in the Mexican mining industry.

Today, they are not only heard every day but are becoming increasingly more important.

When it was enacted, the Mexican constitution did contain some provisions for the protection of the natural environment. But it was not until Dec. 30, 1981, that the federal Environmental Protection Law was adopted. The law, which served to regulate some industrial activities in order to protect the environment, was the first such legislation enacted in the country. Subsequently, in late 1987 and early 1988, the constitution was amended to include the General Law on Ecological Balance and Environmental Protection. The amendment was aimed at regulating all productive activities from an environmental standpoint.

Upon the enactment of this law and related regulations (including those pertaining to hazardous residues, environmental impact and atmospheric pollution control), the Mining Chamber of Mexico decided to beef up its own performance in the area of environmental protection.

Specifically, it sought to promote awareness of environmental protection among its members by establishing a specialized commission that would pass judgment on issues related to hygiene, safety and the environment. Later, faced with concerns of sustaining growth in an industry that was adjusting to tighter environmental regulations, the chamber’s Ecology and Natural Resources Commission was formed.

On March 30, the commission signed an agreement to monitor ecological management and environmental impact. Co-signers on the Concerted Action Agreement were the Ministry of Social Development and the Ministry of Mines and State-Owned Industry.

The commission also participates in the National Consultative Committee on Standards, which is charged with modifying official Mexican standards. — Submitted by the Mexican Investment Board, Mexico City..N12