On 21 January the Embassy of Canada in Serbia hosted a seminar “Trilateral Dialogue on CSR – Canada’s Experience” with the aim of promoting a responsible approach to the development of mining projects in Serbia.
The event was attended by representatives of the Embassy and the CANSEE Business Association, as well as representatives of the Ministry of Mining and Energy, the City of Bor and the Municipality of Raska, the World Bank, Canadian companies.
The seminar was an opportunity for participants to get acquainted with the work of the international non-governmental organization “Intergovernmental Forum for Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development”, whose Secretariat is located in Canada and is supported by the Government of Canada, which collaborates with over 70 member countries regarding the mining sector. The organization was represented by Mr Matthew Bliss, Deputy Director.
Representing the importance of this industry for her country, Canadian Ambassador to Serbia H.E. Kati Csaba emphasized that the size and importance of the industry carry with it responsibility for all direct and indirect participants in the development of projects. “The Government of Canada, civil society and the private sector, using domestic and international experience, are constantly working to improve standards and legislation for more responsible, transparent and sustainable mining.” She introduced those present to the most important principles and standards of responsible mining developed in or supported by Canada, including the recently established Responsible Enterprise Ombudsman Institution.
State Secretary of the Ministry Stevica Dedjanski introduced the future plans of the Ministry of Mining and Energy. He pointed out that the number of licenses issued for exploration projects increased significantly, and that the volume of investments in this sector of mining exceeded 100 million euros in previous years. “The ministry wants to work with companies on responsible project development and our doors are always open for discussion and cooperation,” Dedjanski added, urging attendees to continue discussing this topic in the future.
The seminar was also attended by Canadian companies “Dundee Precious Metals”, “Mundoro Capital”, “Tethyan Resources”, “Medgold”, whose representatives introduced the participants to their standards and projects of corporate social responsibility in cities and municipalities throughout Serbia, including Bor, Raska and Bosilegrad.
Canada’s mining industry contributes to national GDP at $ 97 billion, or 5%, directly and indirectly employing 626,000 people. The most significant stock market in the mining industry, the Toronto Stock Exchange Market, which lists 1,136 mining and exploration companies is located in Toronto. Since 1932, Toronto has hosted the most significant global convention in the PDAC mining industry to be held this year from March 1-4.