Pope Francis met with mining representatives in the Vatican. They are attending meetings there to engage in dialogue on the theme of “Mining for the Common Good”.
It has been organized by the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. The aim is to examine better ways of taking care of the environment and the people affected by mining.
During Pope Francis speech, he stressed the importance of ensuring the safety of those involved in mining operations; and to respect the fundamental human rights of local communities which is non-negotiable.
POPE FRANCIS
“Mere corporate social responsibility is not sufficient. We need to ensure that mining activities lead to the integral human development of each and every person and of the entire community.”
The pope also called for respect to indigenous people who often live in areas mined and the need to denounce the throwaway culture.
Pope Francis encouraged them to adopt a circular economy that helps to better ensure preservation of resources for present and future generations.
POPE FRANCIS
“The promotion of a circular economy and the 'reduce, reuse, recycle' approach are also very much in consonance with the Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns promoted by the 12th Sustainable Development Goal of the United Nations.”
He expressed his hope that the participants will find the appropriate ways to mine areas that help to achieve the common good; and bring about a genuine human development that is both integral and sustainable.
