A guide to leading practice sustainable development in mining

Rehabilitation
The rendering of a safe, stable and non-polluting tailings storage facility in the long-term,
taking into account beneficial uses of the site and surrounding land.
Relinquishment
Formal approval by the relevant regulating authority indicating that the completion criteria
for the mine have been met to the satisfaction of the authority.
Remediation
To clean-up or mitigate contaminated soil or water.
Remnant vegetation
Native vegetation remaining after widespread clearing has taken place.
Resource stewardship
Involves a program of actions to ensure that resource inputs to a process, including
the minerals, water, chemicals, and energy are being used for their most efficient and
appropriate use.
Responsible authority
Any government body empowered to approve activities associated with the closure process.
Rip-rap
A loose assemblage of broken rock placed to protect soil from the forces of erosion or from
movement due to excess hydrostatic forces.
Riparian
Pertaining to, or situated on, the bank of a body of water, especially a watercourse such as
a river.
Risk
Risk is the chance of something happening that will have an impact on objectives. It is
often specified in terms of an event or circumstance and the consequences that may flow
from it.
Risk analysis
Risk analysis is the systematic process used to understand the nature of, and to deduce the
level of, risk. It provides the basis for risk evaluation and decisions about risk treatment.
Risk control
A risk control is an existing process, policy, device, practice or other action that acts to
minimise negative risk or enhance positive opportunities.
Risk criteria
Risk Criteria are the terms of reference by which the significance of a risk is assessed.
Risk evaluation
Risk evaluation is the process of comparing the level of risk against risk criteria.
Risk management
Risk management is the process and structures that are directed towards realising
potential opportunities while managing adverse effects.
194 LEADING PRACTICE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FOR THE MINING INDUSTRY