Environmental impact assessment (EIA) and mine closure planning became formally integrated in Western Australia in 2011 when amendments to the Mining Act 1978 necessitated a mine closure plan to be submitted by proponents along with their EIA documents. These amendments force early consideration of mine closure in line with international best practice and will raise the level of closure planning compliance. Internationally, it is generally held that early closure planning will reduce costs and improve closure outcomes thereby reducing financial, environmental and social liabilities.
There are many international examples where poor mine closure planning has had significant adverse environmental and social effects. These issues have driven the need for widespread mine closure reform.
Recent interview-based research with experienced mine-closure professionals and regulators (Getty & Morrison-Saunders, 2019) highlights factors promoting effective mine closure plans. Early discussion on closure allows for efficient scheduling, design and planning of resources and also identifies key risks and opportunities, knowledge gaps and fatal flaws. It broadens understanding of mine closure across different levels to ensure closure plans are effectively incorporated into the mine life.
Early closure planning also allows opportunities for early investigations and trials, which in turn provide time for adaptive management and maximises rehabilitation success.
Examples of a cultural shift towards inclusive mine closure planning were described in the research, such as closure key performance indicators for mine managers and collaborative research efforts between companies.
The cultural change and discussion are steps towards the vision of integrated mine closure fostered by industry best practice (ICMM, 2019), although respondents indicated it was yet to be fully embedded in Western Australia.
