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(b) Relevance to Sustainable Development: From extraction of energy through to
final use, the energy sector generates specific types of waste; for example, waste from
coal mining, waste from processing of fuels and from combustion of fuel, etc.
Volumes of mining waste tend to be large, and the nature of the waste makes it a
safety hazard. If not properly treated or disposed of, it can be susceptible to fire, to
landslide and to the leaching of heavy metals and other pollutants into water and soil.
In developing countries, scavenging on coal slag tips is common, leading to accidents
and other health problems. In addition, large volumes of waste take up considerable
space, blight the landscape and can spoil local wildlife habitats. For all waste types,
inadequate storage and disposal can also lead to contamination of water bodies and
soil through runoff and leaching.
(c) International Conventions and Agreements: There are no specific international
agreements addressing the issue of solid waste from energy production or use. Agenda
21 calls on developed countries to take the lead in promoting and implementing more
sustainable consumption and production patterns, which are also priority areas for the
Johannesburg Plan of Implementation.
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