3. Criteria and thresholds of the qualification process for
mining projects
Projects in the field of mining (new projects, a change to or
extension of projects) have been qualified in all the analysed
countries as belonging to the ones included in Annex I or Annex II
of the EIA Directive. However in certain countries, there are significant
differences in division of projects and the applied criteria
and thresholds (Tables 2 and 3) which determine whether or not
the project is eligible to a mandatory EIA procedure or a screening
stage. In addition, mining projects regardless of the criteria for the
qualification stage are subject to EIA, if there is a suspicion that
they may have a significant impact on protected species and habitats
in Natura 2000.