Terms of Reference¹

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Preamble
Mindful of the priorities of the Plan of Implementation adopted in Johannesburg in August September 2002 at the World Summit on Sustainable Development, particularly as they relate to poverty alleviation, changing unsustainable patterns of consumption and production, protecting and managing the natural resource base of economic and social development and, regional sustainable development initiatives.

Having regard to Paragraph 46 of the said Plan of Implementation, on actions needed to enhance the contribution of mining, minerals and metals to sustainable development and to the fulfilment of a Type 2 Partnership Initiative on a Global Dialogue to create an Intergovernmental Forum,

Aware that mining, minerals and metals are essential for modern living and of the need to achieve sustainable development, so that the benefits generated today by the activities of the minerals and metals sectors are shared and secured for present and future generations, that positive social and economic benefits are maximized while adverse environmental and social impacts are minimized,

Acknowledging that national governments must play a leading role in creating a policy and regulatory environmental to enhance the contribution of minerals and metals to sustainable development and of the need for them to be full participants in global debates on issues affecting the sector,

Mindful of the relevant and fruitful work which has been carried out at the local, national, regional and global level, by governments, intergovernmental organizations, industry, NGOs and others to promote the sustainable development contribution of minerals and metals,

Recognizing the need for enhanced capacity by governments to better manage the areas of sustainable development that are within their government prerogative,

Respectful of the sovereignty of each national government, and determined to promote globally the contribution of minerals and metals to sustainable development,

The Parties to this Partnership Initiative agree to the following Terms of Reference for the establishment of a High Level Intergovernmental Forum on Minerals/metals and Sustainable Development.

Objectives/Functions

The Intergovernmental Forum comprises high level representatives from national governments with responsibility for the mining, minerals and metals sector. The Forum will meet to share experiences and information, to consider and to provide advice and, where appropriate, make recommendations for consideration by governments, intergovernmental bodies and others on ways to enhance the contribution of mining, non-energy minerals and metals to sustainable development.

The activities of the Intergovernmental Forum will focus on elements of sustainable development that are primarily the responsibility of national governments. Activities may be carried out in cooperation with and with the participation of intergovernmental bodies and others as may be determined by the Forum.

Operations of the Intergovernmental dialogue

The Intergovernmental Forum shall:

• meet at times and places mutually convenient to its members.
• adopt such rules of procedures as are considered necessary to carry out its functions.
• make such Secretariat arrangements as it may deem necessary for the proper conduct of its work.
• remain in existence for a period of five years at which time the members will have the opportunity to re-evaluate the continuation of the forum in its existing or modified form.

The member governments shall contribute to the expenses of the Intergovernmental Dialogue on a basis to be determined by them.

The forum will come into existence when (number) countries notify in writing their support for the Terms of Reference and Rules of Procedures to either of the leading partners, South Africa and Canada.

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¹This document borrows from similar documents from other organizations such as the study groups.

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