us geological survey minerals information 1996 1 the mineral industry of netherlands by harold r newman in ter ms world production was a modest produ cer metallic or nonmetallic minera l products however it is very im portant as regional producer natura gas and petroleum for european market plays major role transshipment center material s entering leaving continental europe rotterdam largest container port majo europea n transportation hub remained extremely important shipping storage with ever expanding inland systems goods en tering can originat e be destined almost anywhere continenta euro pe facilities at surroundin g area could not accommodate significant increase traffi c without upgrading expansion environmental polic y responsibility ministry housing planning environment protecting quality o f high prio rity to citizens addition t prot ecting dutch government
