Non-energy mineral extraction and Natura 2000 guidance published

In July, the European Commission published its guidance on undertaking new non-energy extractive activities in accordance with Natura 2000 requirements. The purpose of this document is to provide guidance on how best to ensure that non-energy extractive industry (NEEI) developments are compatible with the provisions of the EU Habitats and Birds Directives. It focuses in particular on the procedures to follow and provides clarifications on certain key aspects of this approval process in the context of NEEI developments in particular.

It has been written in close collaboration with representatives of different industry sectors, experts, public authorities and NGOs via a dedicated EC Working Group. It is designed principally for use by competent authorities and developers, as well as consultants, site managers and other practitioners who are involved in the planning, design, implementation or approval of mineral plans or NEEI projects.

The guidance document is available here:

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/management/docs/neei_n2000_guidance.pdf