Belgium: Ensuring Access to European Mineral Resources without Endangering Biodiversity

摘要

European Minerals Day 2009 was intended to heighten the profile of the minerals sector. Joining forces internally to meet critical needs for growth and jobs in the European minerals sector is an important issue. On the first European Minerals Day in 2007, more than 30 000 visitors were welcomed to over 100 sites in 17 European countries. The EU Launch Event for the European Minerals Day 2009 took place on 14.05.2009 in Prague/CZ, and was inaugurated by European Commission Vice-President Gunter Verheugen, EU Commissioner for Industry & Enterprise. This year, special attention was given to biodiversity. In a guided tour of rehabilitated sites, visitors encountered rare species of plants and animals. This and many more activities were aimed at raising awareness of this long-established, yet innovative and sustainable sector. Entertaining support activities such as fossil hunting, animation for children, jeep safaris, workshops, etc. made European Minerals Day an unforgettable experience for people of all ages.