The World Bank Group (WBG) announced in 2000 that it would conduct a comprehensive review of its activities in the extractive industries sector – the Extractive Industries Review (EIR) – in response to concerns expressed by a variety of stakeholders, primarily environmental and human rights organizations.
The WBG's Board consideration in August 2004 of its Management Response to the EIR was the culmination of a wide-ranging process that included multiple in-depth, independent technical reviews (see links below), project site visits, and a series of conferences around the globe to solicit the views of stakeholders in government, industry, civil society, and local communities.
In its proposal to the Board, WBG's management indicated that it would continue investments in oil, gas, and mining projects, as these remain an essential part of the development of many poor nations. The management also noted that, as countries develop their resources, WBG capital and expertise can help ensure that such projects meet high environmental, social, and governance standards, and that revenue from the projects is used transparently and effectively.
The central message of the reviews was that while extractive industries investments can contribute to sustainable development, the WBG should further enhance its efforts in several areas: more explicitly identifying and tracking poverty reduction associated with its projects, the overall quality of governance in host countries, broader inclusion of local stakeholders, transparency of revenue management and project documents, and the promotion of renewable energy and cleaner fuel alternatives.
World Bank Group Management Responses
Final World Bank Group Management Response:
Other language versions:
Related documents:
Further information about World Bank Group activities in the extractive industries can be found on the
Oil, Gas, Mining, and Chemicals site. 
