Chapter 11

Photo Credit: BHP

11. Sustainable Mine Closure
Last Update: July 2024

GARD Guide Chapter 11

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The GARD Guide provides extensive information on addressing ARD and sustainability issues throughout the mining life cycle. When ARD is looked at through the lens of sustainable mine closure, it is readily apparent ARD is a key issue that must be addressed in early stages of project design, operations and closure planning. Other key issues include physical stability, reclamation to sustain a beneficial post-closure land use, and managing the social transition to a post-mining economy. Although ARD management is only one issue among many, experience has shown it to be one of the most important, in terms of potential cost, risk, residual liability, and long-term management requirements.

This chapter addresses the implications of ARD for achieving effective and sustainable mine closure. It should be noted that the issue of ARD is not strictly the domain or responsibility of mine closure practitioners. Instead, ARD management requires an interdisciplinary approach across operational functions within the mine organization to best address the problem in a manner that leads to sustainable closure practices.

Table of Contents

  • 11.0 Introduction
    • 11.1.1 Main Themes
    • 11.1.2 Scope of the Chapter
    • 11.1.3 Content of Chapter
  • 11.2 Planning For Closure
    • 11.2.1 Early and Continuous Planning for Closure
    • 11.2.1.1 Design for Closure
    • 11.2.1.2 Ongoing Closure Planning
    • 11.2.1.3 Comprehensive Closure Planning
    • 11.2.2 Closure Vision, Principles and Objectives
    • 11.2.3 Stakeholder Engagement
    • 11.2.4 Scope of Closure Plans
    • 11.2.5 Closure Permitting
    • 11.2.6 Closure Knowledge Base
    • 11.2.7 Closure Planning Tools
    • 11.2.7.1 Multiple Accounts Analysis
    • 11.2.7.2 Failure Modes and Effects Analysis
    • 11.2.7.3 Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment (HHERA)
    • 11.2.8 Integration of Technical Disciplines
    • 11.2.9 Drainage Treatment
    • 11.2.10 Adapting to Climate Change
    • 11.2.11 Closure of Legacy Sites
  • 11.3 Implementing Closure
    • 11.3.1 ARD Management through Progressive Closure Works
    • 11.3.2 End of Mine Life
    • 11.3.2.1 Closure Readiness
    • 11.3.2.2 Sequencing of Closure Works
    • 11.3.2.3 Construction Records and Quality Control/Quality Assurance
    • 11.3.2.4 Construction Issues
    • 11.3.3 ARD Issues in Temporary and Sudden Closure
    • 11.3.3.1 Temporary Closure
    • 11.3.3.2 Permanent Sudden Closure
  • 11.4 Durability through the Post-Closure Period
    • 11.4.1 Monitoring and Maintenance
    • 11.4.1.1 Monitoring
    • 11.4.1.2 Maintenance
    • 11.4.2 Managing Residual Risks
    • 11.4.3 Pathways to Relinquishment
  • 11.5 Mine Closure Planning for Sustainable Outcomes
    • 11.5.1. Post-Closure Sustainable Land Use
    • 11.5.2 Social License and Social Transition for ARD Impacted Mines
    • 11.5.3 Biodiversity
    • 11.5.4 Resources for Planning Sustainable Mine Closure
  • References
  • Tables
  • Figures
  • Appendices