Environmental sustainability involves integrating and meeting economic, social, and environmental goals with respect to planning and implementing mining activities. Active mine or processing facilities offer an operator various opportunities to incorporate environmental sustainability goals in the mine planning and production process. Closure and post-closure planning for a mining operation must also factor in environmental sustainability goals. BHP Billiton (BHP) applied its Sustainable Development Policy as part of the closure of the San Manuel Plant Site in Arizona. BHP strives for “Zero Harm”, which describes its goal of no harm to people, host communities, and the environment. Each of these aspects was considered during the closure of the San Manuel Mine and Plant Site facilities.
