Lee Han-young, Chair of the Operations Committee of the Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province Council, attended the 4th Regular Meeting of the 11th Second Half of the Council Chairs Association of Provincial Councils of the Republic of Korea and proposed a recommendation for the enactment of the "Special Act on Limestone Mine Closure Areas."
Lee Han-young, Chairperson of the Operations Committee of the Gangwon Special Self-Governing Provincial Council, is attending the 4th Regular Meeting of the 11th Second Half of the Council of Chairpersons of the Operations Committees of Provincial Councils of the Republic of Korea and posing for a commemorative photo. On this day, Chairperson Lee proposed a bill for the enactment of the "Special Act on Limestone Mine Closure Areas." Provided by Gangwon Provincial Council
The recommendation for the enactment of the Special Act on Limestone Mine Closure Areas was proposed in response to the suffering of residents in limestone mining regions of Gangwon, North Chungcheong, South Chungcheong, North Jeolla, and North Gyeongsang Provinces, who have endured soil erosion, deforestation, and water and air pollution caused by decades of mining. As additional problems such as population outflow due to job losses, regional hollowing-out due to aging populations, and economic downturns are expected when mines are eventually closed after resource extraction is completed, the recommendation aims to establish comprehensive policies and systems to ensure the sustainable development and shared prosperity of limestone mining areas.
In particular, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province accounts for more than 70% of the nation's limestone production across seven cities and counties (Gangneung, Donghae, Taebaek, Samcheok, Yeongwol, Pyeongchang, and Jeongseon), highlighting the urgent need for legislation to support these limestone mining regions.
Chair Lee Han-young stated, "Coal mine closure areas have received various forms of support through the Special Act on the Assistance to the Development of Closed Mine Areas, and recently, a legislative amendment was passed to designate these areas as coal industry transition zones, providing a foundation for their revitalization. I proposed this recommendation because limestone mining areas also need to be proactively prepared for sustainable coexistence and development through the enactment of a special law. The provincial council will continue to pay close attention and provide support for limestone mining areas and their residents."
The agenda item was approved as originally proposed and will be submitted to the next meeting of the Council Chairs Association of Provincial Councils of the Republic of Korea. After deliberation, it will be forwarded to the relevant central government ministries.
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