Abstract
Over the past several decades, the concept of ‘planning for closure’ has become a standard practice, with the goals of reducing life-of-mine costs through effective design, ensuring long-term safety and physical and chemical stability of the site, and obtaining social license to develop the project. However, as companies and investors are increasingly risk adverse and aware of the liability inherent to closed and soon-to-close facilities, closure has become one of the highest profile issues in the mining sector. As a result, we are seeing the evolution of the closure concept from ‘safe – stable – nonpolluting’ to ‘sustainable and beneficial land use’.
Closure planning for sustainable and beneficial land use is a process that continues through the mine life, from a conceptual level to an executable plan. Successful implementation of mine closure activities; however, is not bound to the end of the life of mine but rather is best integrated as part of mine planning and operations. Integrated Mine Closure Planning can set the stage for long-term sustainable mining by striking a balance between environmental, social and economic growth, and setting the foundation for ‘The Mine We All Want to See’.
At its core, ‘The Mine We All Want to See’ is a framework comprised of supporting pillars that we see as integral to the future of sustainable mining. Companies who are able to holistically incorporate these elements generate social, environmental and economic value, not just at the mine site but also up and down the supply chain, and within the region they operate. It guides the journey to safe, efficient, inclusive and technology-enabled mining practices, from concept through to closure, to deliver societal and commercial value.
As we seek to shape a sustainable future through value creation for all stakeholders, we can use Integrated Mine Closure Planning as a vehicle to achieve these objectives pillars. Our presentation will provide examples of how companies are beginning this journey of adapting to the future of sustainable mine planning, as well as highlight various challenges that are encountered and need to be overcome along the way.