A guide to leading practice sustainable development in mining
A guide to leading practice sustainable development in mining
A guide to leading practice sustainable development in mining
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Another example of plann<strong>in</strong>g for closure is the Misima gold m<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong> Papua New<br />
Gu<strong>in</strong>ea. Misima Gold M<strong>in</strong>e commenced operation <strong>in</strong> 1987 and operated until 2004<br />
produc<strong>in</strong>g 3.6 million ounces of gold. F<strong>in</strong>al deconstruction and rehabilitation<br />
earthworks were completed <strong>in</strong> April 2005. The closure of a large m<strong>in</strong>e site can have<br />
potentially conflict<strong>in</strong>g objectives such as m<strong>in</strong>imis<strong>in</strong>g costs of closure, maximis<strong>in</strong>g<br />
ongo<strong>in</strong>g benefits <strong>to</strong> the local community or region, and m<strong>in</strong>imis<strong>in</strong>g environmental<br />
liabilities from the m<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g operation. The achievement of such goals often requires<br />
compromises. M<strong>in</strong>e closure plann<strong>in</strong>g can be very challeng<strong>in</strong>g, particularly when<br />
socio-economic, cultural and political fac<strong>to</strong>rs are <strong>in</strong>cluded and further complications<br />
arise from stakeholder disputes over the actual detail of f<strong>in</strong>al asset disposition and<br />
f<strong>in</strong>al land use targets. Detailed plann<strong>in</strong>g for the closure of Misima M<strong>in</strong>es Limited<br />
commenced five years prior <strong>to</strong> the last ounce of gold be<strong>in</strong>g poured. The follow<strong>in</strong>g<br />
outcomes were achieved (LP Closure p.16):<br />
successful deconstruction/demolition and earthworks completed as planned.<br />
no lost time accidents or serious <strong>in</strong>juries.<br />
landform use suitable for agricultural purposes.<br />
social opportunities created with local landholder group and government<br />
manag<strong>in</strong>g the hydroelectric power and water system on behalf of the community.<br />
local and prov<strong>in</strong>cial governments responsible for the health and medical centres<br />
and other <strong>in</strong>frastructure <strong>in</strong>stalled as part of the community <strong>development</strong> plan.<br />
Figure 5.12 - Misima before rehabilitation<br />
146 LEADING PRACTICE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FOR THE MINING INDUSTRY