COUNCIL RESOLUTION of 28 July 1989 on the development of the Community mining industry (89/C 207/01)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community,

Recognizing that the mining industry is of significant economic, social and commercial importance and can make an appreciable contribution to the provision of Community supplies by its activities both within the Community and in third countries;

Considering that the mining sector must, like other sectors, be integrated into the plan for the completion of the internal market in 1993 by strengthening its production structures through improvements in competitiveness;

Noting that development of the mining sector is bound to have a positive effect on an entire industrial network including a considerable mining equipment and services sector upstream and all of the processing industries downstream;

Believing that the Community mining industry must be developed under normal conditions of competition and with a firm Community commitment to liberalization of access to resources worldwide,

WELCOMES the memorandum on the mining industry submitted by the Commission and recognizes the need for a common approach by the Community and in particular for coordination of national and Community measures and budgetary instruments assigned to industrial development;

CALLS ON the Commission, in consultation with the Member States, forthwith to continue with preparation of the specific measures contained in the action evisaged in the memorandum, having regard to the relevant Community provisions ; and

EMPHASIZES that, in carrying out specific measures, priority should be given to the following points: 1. on R &

38;D, any adjustment of current programmes such as the framework programmes must follow from an examination of national efforts, rigorous analysis of actual requirements and identification of the most appropriate Community action;

2. the Structural Funds' existing allocations and the loans of the European Investment Bank (EIB) could, if necessary, provide as far as possible the necessary assistance for the development of mining projects of Community scope, including exploration projects;

3. with the completion of the internal market on the horizon, a study should be made by the Member States and the Commission with the aim of eliminating administrative and/or fiscal obstacles and improving the socio-economic framework for the sector;

4. particular attention should be paid to examining training and education requirements in the field of geology and mining engineering, with synergy possibly being sought between Member States and also with major mining third countries.