Mineral products are essential to modern societies. The process of producing, using, and recycling minerals is a necessary activity for meeting market demand while at the same time contributing to employment and local economic development in both industrialised and less developed national economies.
The Greek extractive industry is an important sector of our country’s economic activity providing the necessary raw materials to a number of fields that are essential for the national economy, such as power generation, cement and aluminium industry, constructions and construction materials industry etc. Also, it is a dynamic sector of the economy since its exports account for 65% of its total sales, both at the EU and the
international market.
The sustainability of the minerals industry rests on three pillars: economy, environment, and society’s needs. In addition, it is becoming clear that for enhancing sustainability, a fourth pillar is also required which will promote the balance and holistic integration of all three aspects: good governance.