In 2002 MMSD Report it was stated that “in a well-functioning market economy, the price paid for a mineral commodity—as for any other good or service—should reflect the fullmarginal costs of both production and use”. It could have lost some of actuality now, when most of raw mineral commodities prices is rising, but it can be still true for European producers, especially when new ecological charges are anticipated. Mining is one of most environmentally destructive activities, often producing high output of waste. The idea that mining companies have the responsibility to manage and pay for the rehabilitation of mine sites during and after production is now widely accepted. Usually a mine, together with the processing plant and the tailings and waste-rock facilities, will only be in operation for a few decades, but mine voids, tailings and waste-rock may remain long after termination of the mining activity. Therefore special attention needs to be given to the proper closure, rehabilitation and after-care of these facilities. Moreover, all operators from the extractive industry should secure sufficient financial means to ensure the eventual full reinstatement of the waste management facilities for which they are responsible. EU Environmental Policy promotes the green market economy, which include internalisation of environmental and social costs as well as subsidies reform to achieve environmental efficiency. The introduction of environmental charges cause an increase of the production cost and influence the company competitiveness. Therefore the level of any charges for any pollutant should be uniform within the EU. In this paper operating activity of mining companies is analysed, in the aspect of EU enlargement, valid and prepared legislation, environmental initiatives, but most of all — with the consideration of common market conditions determining production costs. The main emphasis is put on costs of waste management, especially for tailings, as for obligatory funds, taxes, fees and charges related to environmental protection (monitoring and post-closure, waste disposal, etc.). Comparisons of different economic instruments for environmental protection in chosen countries and total operating costs for waste management is also presented.