Preparing for mine closure

Eventually, all mines come to the end of their economic life and have to close.

Closure may have significant social and economic impacts on the nearby communities and the region around the mine.

Driven by increased regulation and scrutiny, heightened public expectations and internal performance standards, mining companies are seeking to undertake mine closure in a responsible way and create a positive legacy for the future.

To maintain a 'social licence to operate' and minimise reputational risks, mining companies have to understand and prepare for complex social and economic issues, beyond the life of a mine.

Unfortunately, there is limited documented experience and body of literature to provide readily available lessons learnt to guide this process.

GHD offers social impact assessment and social sustainability services, giving clients robust datasets and evidence to inform important decisions on mine closure and town exit planning strategies.

Our work is multidisciplinary, including social planning, economic analysis and stakeholder engagement, looking into the complex dynamics of the mining towns and regions as a whole.

The team undertakes extensive consultation with stakeholders such as state and local governments, service providers, Traditional Owners, local Indigenous and general community representatives and local businesses to help our clients develop acceptable closure plans and solutions for the regions in which they operate.

Dr. Pallavi Mandke, National Technical Lead – Social Impact Assessment in Australia, Jillian Ash, Social Planner, and Lauren Harding, Senior Social Sustainability Consultant, are presenting ‘Social planning for mine closure: Whose responsibility?’ at the International Association for Impact Assessment Conference in Brisbane on 29 April.