06/11/2020 ICMM • Integrated mine closure

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Integrated mine closure

Environment / Mine closure

Integrated mine closure is a dynamic and iterative process that takes into
account environmental, social and economic considerations at an early
stage of mine development.

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Fundamental to this process is the need to consider closure as an integral part of the
mine operations’ core business. The structure of our 'Integrated Mine Closure: Good
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practice guide' reflects this process; providing guidance on delivering key elements of
mine closure planning and implementation, including:

 Integration into life of mine planning and early definition of the closure vision,
principles and objectives supported by both early engagement for closure plan
development with stakeholders and development of a knowledge base where
data will be collected and updated throughout the mining life cycle. The definition
of the closure vision, principles and objectives is underpinned by considerations
of potential post-closure land use of the former mine site, and a formal
identification and assessment of risks and opportunities throughout iterations of
the closure plan.

Implementation of various closure activities to implement closure, both during

the mine life as progressive closure and as part of final closure. These closure
activities should be tied to meeting specific closure objectives that have been
defined and agreed. Monitoring will be undertaken to document and evaluate the
effectiveness of the closure activities at meeting agreed closure objectives and
the success criteria. The development of well-defined success criteria, with input
and agreement with appropriate stakeholders, are key to completing closure
works.

Integrated mine closure good practice

Implementation of progressive closure, which involves the implementation of

closure activities during the operating life of a mine providing opportunities to
test and demonstrate the effectiveness of closure activities, validate success
criteria and build trust with communities and the regulators. It provides

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opportunities to generate learnings that can be incorporated into closure

planning throughout the mining life cycle.

 Planning and preparation for social transition to help reduce the negative impacts
of social change for the workforce and communities connected to the mine site
and improve the legacy of benefits from mining activities.

Integrated Mine Closure

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Understanding of closure costs for the purposes of planning, comparing

alternatives, understanding financial liabilities and complying with reporting and
financial assurance obligations.

Developing and updating a closure execution plan while ensuring adequate

closure governance structures are in place to ensure closure planning is
integrated into the life of mine planning. The closure execution plan identifies
actions and resources required during the mine life to support planning and
implementation of closure, while appropriate governance ensures effective
allocation of resources to closure across a range of disciplines.

Periodic evaluation of appropriate ‘what-if’ scenarios during the mine life to help
minimise the disruption caused by such unplanned events. Unplanned changes in
circumstances can result in temporary or sudden closure of mines.

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Relinquishment of closed sites to a third party, which may not always be possible,
but it should be a desirable endpoint of the life of asset (the entire mining life

 cycle, including post-closure). Detailed planning and robust execution of closure

throughout the mining life cycle can help increase the probability of attaining
successful relinquishment.

Visit our dedicated 'Integrated Mine Closure: Good practice guide' website for more
details or download our PDF.

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Related content

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06/11/2020 ICMM • Integrated mine closure

Financial Concepts for Mine Closure

Enhancing understanding of key financial concepts as they relate to mine closure.
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GUIDANCE

Key Performance Indicators: Tool for closure

This tool provides a set of Key Performance Areas (KPA) and illustrative  Key
Performance Indicators (KPIs) to support implementation of good closure
practices. 

GUIDANCE

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Strengthening operational capacity

Case studies from across ICMM's membership that Demonstrate and promote
leading environmental and social practices. 

CONTENT

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