A guide to leading practice sustainable development in mining

Figure 5.23: Aerial view of Area 4
where different crops are
re-vegetated as a part of BNC’s
rehabilitation program.
November 2007
Figure 5.24: Demonstration Billboard
and Platform which shows the
research design, species mix and
techniques used during the research.
Understanding the site, including its drainage characteristics, is also required
when designing and siting components of the mine operation. By transferring this
information to mining software, the mine planners have detailed computer modelling
of the original site and its drainage patterns to make decisions about restoration or
alteration in its final design.
Like all computer-related technology, developments occur and become outdated
quickly. Therefore, the principles involved in digitising and analysing the data are
more important than the specific software packages used. End uses for the final void
resulting from mining operations also require consideration and planning. Backfilling
may be uneconomic in some operations but, in others, planning might avert creating
any void. Safety is also crucial and creative design in conjunction with substantial
obstacles and warnings are needed.
Poorly rehabilitated mines provide a difficult legacy issue for governments,
communities and companies, and ultimately tarnish the reputation of the mining
industry as a whole. Increasingly, as access to resources becomes tied to industry’s
reputation, effective closure processes and satisfactory mine rehabilitation become
critical to a company’s ability to develop new projects. Poor planning invariably
increases the costs of rehabilitation and mine closure and decrease overall
profitability. Taking a more integrated approach to mine rehabilitation, and doing it
progressively, can achieve effective mine rehabilitation.
A GUIDE TO LEADING PRACTICE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN MINING 161