A guide to leading practice sustainable development in mining

Figure 2.13 – Sampling activities in the Tampakan area
Mine Closure
Planning for Closure
Planning for mine closure should be undertaken progressively throughout an
operation’s life cycle. The amount of detail will vary and refocus on specific issues
through this life cycle. In order for mine closure planning to be successful, the
management team needs to ensure it is integrated early into planning rather than
being attended to at the end of mine life. The initial ground work, even at the
exploration phase, can impact on the effectiveness and success of closure planning.
To ensure optimal results, it is critical that community and other stakeholder
engagement occurs throughout the process of planning for mine closure.
In many states or territories, a preliminary closure plan is required by the regulatory
authorities as part of the approval process. This plan is used to assess the project,
the environmental controls required and the long-term potential liability posed by
development of the mine. Typical issues that should be included in the feasibility
assessment include:
potential area of disturbance.
environmental sensitivity of flora and fauna, surface and groundwater quality.
volumes and types of wastes to be stored, including waste rock and tailings.
characterisation of wastes including geotechnical properties and AMD potential.
appropriate locations and required capacity of water storage facilities for
potable consumption, process supply, and site water management.
geotechnical stability of ground surface and engineered structures.
regulatory requirements for design and closure.
proposed designs for waste storage facilities and costs to rehabilitate and close.
social and economic development and sustainability issues, such
as local enterprise, post-closure use of land and infrastructure,
and other community development programs.
54 LEADING PRACTICE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FOR THE MINING INDUSTRY