Reviewing the environmental managment systems applied in mining industry

In this thesis, the reasons of the application of ISO 14001 Environmental Management System (EMS), which is becoming more and more widespread, although it is not a legal obligation and constitutes an additional cost, and the current situation of ISO 14001 EMS in the mining sector are investigated. For this purpose, just to cover the mining companies in Turkey, a field research conducted and the subject was evaluated by using qualitative research methods. First, mining companies established with ISO 14001 EMS certification in Turkey were determined; then, by contacting these companies, information about their aims, goals, implementation processes, economic, environmental and social achievements, etc. in implementing ISO 14001 EMS was collected through questionnaires directed to them. Answers to the questions posed to those mining companies who are producing different types of mines were evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively. Based on the information and data obtained, the factors and the reasons, and the positive and negative aspects of the EMS have been determined which are effective in the mining companies' decision to obtain ISO 14001 EMS certification. Environmental aspects of mining companies in Turkey were also revealed.