declarations and treaties governing the Region including but not limited to: The Declaration and Treaty establishing the Southern African Development Community (SADC) signed by the Heads of State or Government on 17 August, 1992 in Windhoek, Republic of Namibia; A Declaration entitled "Southern Africa toward economic liberation", signed by the Heads of State or Government on 1 April, 1980 in Lusaka, Zambia; and The Lagos Plan of Action and the Final Act of Lagos: April 1980, and the Treaty establishing the African Economic Community signed at Abuja on 3 June, 1991; WHEREAS, we recognise the propriety and importance of a comprehensive regional strategy and plan for the development of the mining sector; WHEREAS, we intend to promote the interdependence and integration of our mining policies for the accelerated development and growth of the mining sector in the Region; WHEREAS, we are determined to ensure, through co-operation and collaboration, to develop the Region's abundant mineral resources to improve the living standards for people throughout the SADC Region; WHEREAS, we shall promote the economic and social development and integration of our economies with a view to achieving competitiveness and increasing our market share in international markets; WHEREAS, we are cognisant of the principles of International Law governing relations between States. NOW, therefore, we have decided to establish a Mining Sector Protocol and agree as follows. ARTICLE 1 DEFINITIONS "Committee of Mining Ministers" means a committee of Ministers established under Article 10 of this Protocol. "Community" means the Southern African Development Community. "Coordinator" means the Coordinator of the Mining Sector established under Article 10(5) of this Protocol. "Council" means the Council of Ministers of SADC established under Article 9 of the Treaty. "Exploitation" means the exploration, mining and marketing of minerals. "Historically disadvantaged" means disabled people, women and indigenous people. "Member State" means a Member State of SADC. "Mining Coordinating Unit" means the SADC Mining Sector Unit established under Article 10 of the Protocol. "Mining Technical Committee of Officials" means a committee of officials established under Article 10 of this Protocol. "Region" means the geographic area of the Member States of SADC. "SADC" means the Southern African Development Community established by Article 2 of the Treaty. "Treaty" means the Treaty establishing the Southern African Development Community