The Environmental Agency for Mineral Resource Activities (EAMRA) is responsible for regulating all stages of the process, from feasibility and exploration to extraction of minerals and subsequent decommissioning. Our task is to ensure that the necessary action is taken to prevent and reduce pollution associated with these activities. This is based on the principles of applying Best Available Techniques (BAT), Best Environmental Practice (BEP) and Best Available Control Techniques (BPT), so that nature, the environment and climate are protected according to high international standards. One example would be to reduce as far as possible the discharge of substances that are potentially harmful to the environment by treating waste water, or by imposing conditions on the quantity and degradability of substances that are harmful to the environment. Raw materials companies must therefore comply, among other things, with rules on discharges to the aquatic environment and emissions to the air environment, environmental quality criteria and rules on noise and dust.
Best Available Technology (BAT) and Best Environmental Practice (BEP)
BAT and BEP are two principles that Greenland is obliged to follow when joining the OSPAR Convention.
BAT stands for Best Available Technology. It describes recent developments, state of the art, in the technical field of processes, installations and operating methods that reduce discharges and waste.
BEP stands for Best Environmental Practice. It describes the application of the most appropriate combinations of control measures and strategies to reduce environmental impacts.
Both BAT and BEP are dynamic and evolve as new knowledge and technology emerge.
Link ec.europa.eu/environment/pdf/waste/mining/MWEI BREF.pdf
Through the Mineral Resource Act and the Local Mineral Activities Act Environmental Agency for Mineral Resource Activities is empowered to take decisions and set environmental conditions in relation to mineral activities. The Laws and the associated regulatory framework lay down the regulatory framework for how raw material activities are to be implemented in Greenland. These rules contain provisions on environmental protection, licensing requirements, regulation and monitoring. We help to ensure that all raw material activities comply with applicable legal requirements and promote the use of BAT and BEP to the greatest extent possible.
To ensure the least possible environmental impact and that mineral activities are conducted in an environmentally sound manner, we shall establish close working relationships with other authorities, right holders and independent scientific institutions. This cooperation includes the supervision, regulation, monitoring and enforcement of environmental standards at all stages of raw materials activities.