Report of Working Group IV

This report summarizes the discussions of the Working Group on Resource Policy and East-West Relationships that were held as part of the NATO Advance Study Institute on “Deposit and Geoenvironmental Models for Resource Exploitation and Environmental Security.” The Working Group was made up of experts representing 13 countries and whose expertise included the geosciences, natural resources, and economics. The discussions focused on developing a framework for resource policy, East-West relations, and proposals for future research projects. These included a proposal for developing a certification program for mines managed according to predetermined standards, and a second proposal addressing environmental hazards associated with uranium wastes. The Working Group stressed the importance of a commitment to sustainable development and the development of strategies to satisfy human needs and improve the quality of life today, while protecting those resources that will be needed in the future.