The document discusses the state of mining and sustainable development discussions circa 2000. It outlines the establishment of the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development in 2005 to promote the contribution of mining to sustainable development. The Forum has 42 member countries and seeks to enhance governance, share best practices, and make recommendations. It aims to demonstrate progress on mining issues at the 2010-2011 UN Commission on Sustainable Development meetings.