H.E. Mr. Andrew Goledzinowski, the Deputy Permanent Representative of Australia, hosted and moderated a High-Level Panel on mining issues in the UN Delegates' Dining Room on this next to last day of CSD-19.  The Minister of Mining from Chile outlined the positive impact that mining has in his country, and also said that many changes to the mining sector were enshrined in law in Chile.

Mr. Ben Ari spoke on behalf of the Hon. Sherry Ayittey, the Minister of Environment, Science and Technology of Ghana, who was unable to fly to New York for the presentation. Mr. Ari showed that his country looked both internally to the nature of the impact on stakeholders, but also globally, since the mining sector contributes enormously to trade in exports.

Christopher Sheldon of the World Bank said that there are only about fifty persons at the Bank dealing with the issue of mining, but that mining can be a "game-changer for life" for a country, if the sector really is sustainably managed.

Mr. John Hall of Rio Tinto explained the sustainable development approach of his company in mining results in competitive advantages, better returns on investments, and attracts the best employees.