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MINING FOR CLOSURE
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conducted properly, these projects offer far more
than an economic basis for (social) development
– they also offer an opportunity to restore mining
legacies. The majority of the answers to the que-
ries posed in this section, and salient points to be
addressed mirror the previous sub-section. Such
information is not repeated here but this section
should be read with the previous in mind.
Prior to moving into this material, an important
point is to be made. New projects require finance
– and responsible financing is a topic that was ad-
dressed in Sections 2.3.4 and 2.3.5.
what are the key issues regard-
ing new mining or re-mining
projects?
To ensure that successful planning yields the maxi-
mum freedom to address sustainable development
goals during mine operation and at the time of
mine closure.
To include communities of interest thoroughly in
the process of project definition (including closure
goals) so that they can contribute to the formula-
tion of a successful and equitable mining project.
To leverage and encourage new mining projects
that can restore mining legacies as a part of their
ongoing operation.
The need to demonstrate institutional flexibility
and a willingness to shape attractive frameworks
for new mining and re-mining projects from repu-
table mining actors.
why should these issues be
dealt with?
The arguments for new mining projects are listed
in the equivalent part of Section 6.2 – the major
difference is that much greater possibilities to capi-
talise on opportunities exist for new projects. For
new projects, the economic recovery of minerals
has not yet commenced and economic calculations
must incorporate allowances for mine decommis-
sioning to take place.
how can these issues be pro-
gressed?
By developing reclamation and decommissioning
standards that are in-keeping with leading mining
nations; that address closure options, processing
and ongoing reclamation; that have appropriate
terms and conditions for site reclamation and
decommissioning; that ensure that closure plans
are updated, and that ensure that sufficient fi-
nancial security (bonds, assurances, etc.) are in
place prior to development. Guidelines for such
frameworks are included in the equivalent part
of Section 6.2 – and in the key references to this
document.
By ensuring the effective conduct of inspection and
enforcement of rules and regulations once they are
in place.
By making re-mining operations more commer-
cially attractive via reduction in taxes and royalties,
changes in land tenure laws, and through reduced
legal liabilities for operations that engage in reha-
bilitation processes for legacy sites in parallel to
their core activities.
who should act and where?
The governments and minerals administrations of
nation states in partnership with international ex-
pert resources should undertake the development
of frameworks for
Mining for Closure
tailored to the
needs of the region.
Mining organizations (the entity that seeks to profit
from the activity) should undertake responsibility
for mine closure and reclamation for all new mines
and re-mining projects within the frameworks de-
veloped by government.
when should these actions be
taken?
Again, implementation of such frameworks should
be undertaken as soon as is practicable. These are
preventative measures and the costs associated
with their implementation are minor in compari-
son to the economic, environmental and health re-
lated benefits they can yield.
6.4
fostering institu-
tional frameworks
Institutional frameworks enfolding mining are
discussed from two perspectives here. The first is
in line with the focus of this document – i.e.
Min-
ing for Closure
. The second is related to the broader