The International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) has launched a new handbook to help mining companies and stakeholders plan for mine closures that foster resilience within the resources sector.
The handbook focuses on the project nature of mining, noting that once the mineral resources are exhausted or the commercial viability of a project is no longer achievable, the related effects present both community and commercial challenges.
Mine closures are a formal process of planning and managing the decommissioning of a mine site, mitigating impacts and legacy issues, conducting environmental rehabilitation and eventually, relinquishing the leases.
In the Handbook on Multistakeholder Approaches to Socio-Economic Transitions in Mining, nine multistakeholder approaches adaptable to different regions and mining contexts are offered, as well as 11 practical tools to support socio-economic planning, resilience building and sustainable land use.
The handbook also offers real world case studies showing transition initiatives led by communities.
ICMM says by coordinating efforts across the convening, planning, implementation and monitoring stages of mine closure, the handbook demonstrates how collaborative approaches can transform transition challenges into opportunities.
The handbook allows users to select the approaches and tools most relevant to their context, supporting planning and action at both site and regional levels.
The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) says over the past 50 years, Australia’s approach to mine rehabilitation and closure has evolved from a focus on meeting environmental compliance standards within mine sites to a comprehensive understanding of regional impacts and progressive rehabilitation.
CSIRO says there are four categories of opportunities for mine closure solutions. These include engagement and partnership, waste reduction and recovery, mine rehabilitation, and land use transitions.
In 2024, CSIRO found insights drawn from the mining sector which revealed an annual expenditure of $4 to $8 billion on mine rehabilitation and closure activities. This figure aligns with the expected closure of almost 240 Australian mines between 2014 and 2040.
Australia’s existing $100 billion mining equipment, technology, and services (METS) industry supports mine closure activities, with a quarter of its companies offering some closure and remediation solutions.
ICMM Director of Social Performance Danielle Martin says mine closures are a challenge, but also an opportunity.
“Our new handbook demonstrates how, by working in genuine partnership with communities, governments and other stakeholders, mining companies can help create vibrant and resilient economies that thrive long after a mine closes,” Martin says.
“To flourish, planning for mining transitions requires input by many actors, along with trust and investment in the leadership of all of those who play a role in the resilience of communities.
“Through early preparation, shared vision and collective action, we can leave positive legacies that outlast the mining lifecycle.”
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: ICMM
