Mineral resources are finite, making the eventual closure of a mining operation inevitable. Leaving a community with a sustainably rehabilitated landscape benefits everyone; the local community, the ecosystem and the reputation of the company.
Planning for closure needs to be a collaboration between governments, industry and communities to both understand and address the environmental, social and economic impacts. Responsible closure involves the removal of all infrastructure and facilities, the rehabilitation of surface land, and taking all necessary measures to ensure community livelihoods are sustainable beyond the life of the mine.
To mine with principles is to plan, design for, and implement responsible closure strategies.
Author: ICMM Videos