Austmine Sustainability Webinar Series – Rethinking Remediation and Rehabilitation

The International Council of Mining and Minerals views mine closure as a dynamic and iterative process that addresses environmental, social and economic needs at an early stage of mine development. The Integrated Mine Closure Good Practice Guide outlines principles and objectives and the general process for including short and long-term community needs in mine planning and closure. Closure planning is a complex and difficult process which can involve multiple stakeholders of varying levels of interest and understanding and a major part of the challenge is gathering specific concerns and ideas about closure, among the other issues surrounding construction and operations. Many tools can be used to support companies, regulators and the community through the closure planning process. As part of a broader strategy these tools help communities to be a legitimate part of the process. Key tools and activities that can be used to move closure planning beyond the legislative requirements include virtual reality, human centered design, behavioral science and photovoice. Which can help communities articulate what they currently and could potentially value at the time of closure.