Rethinking the life of a mine
What happens to a closed mine? Instead of simply abandoning a site, mines of today need a closure plan.
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You created a mixed-use development!
You built a solar farm!
You reused land for agriculture!
You restored land for biking!
You created a housing development!
You returned to the original landowners!
You rebuilt wildlife habitat!
You created a renewable energy system!
You replanted a forest!
Farmland is already cleared of trees and structures. Sometimes it’s used as a temporary mining site. Once the mining is done, agricultural land can be restored and go back to producing food.
Transforming mining lands for beneficial public use is a great option. For example, the Pikeview Quarry is transitioning into a recreation park for the Colorado Springs community.
Our mining and ecological teams restored wildlife habitat by resloping mine waste rock. This project was a big win for the caribou population in British Colombia.
Developing green energy infrastructure on a brownfield power-generating site has a satisfying symmetry. Learn more about going from coal to solar in Nanticoke, Ontario.
Large swaths of land that were once used for industrial sites can be replanted and become an asset for carbon sequestration. Companies can then measure carbon sequestration via remote sensing.
In Bristol, UK, a historic coal mine site was transformed into new grounds for residential use. Mining professionals mitigate geotechnical and chemical hazards before repurposing it.
Pumped storage is a great renewable energy option for open pit mine closure. Learn more about a pumped water renewable energy project in Southern Australia.
An aging mining and metallurgy testing area was transformed into a modern space that incorporates the community’s needs to live, work and play.
Mining companies can partner with traditional landowners to restore and return the land. Learn more about Rio Tinto’s Argyle Diamond Mine and the natural ecosystem reclamation in Australia.
Start with the end in mind
Many mines in operation today are reaching the end of their lifespan. So what happens once an orebody is depleted? In the past, many mines were abandoned.
Today, mines must have a closure plan in place before they even begin. A modern approach to mine closure is to appreciate that the mine has given everything it can to us and now it’s entering its next chapter.
How does mine closure work?
1
Plan ahead for closure
The best opportunity for making impactful closure decisions happens early in the mine’s life. Early engagement aids in community acceptance and mitigates surprises at the end of a project. It also reduces cost and leaves a positive legacy for the community.
2
Begin with the basics
If a mine site has not been planning for closure, or was abandoned, site assessment and stability evaluation are the first steps in closure. Overall site stability refers both to environmental—mitigating soil or water contamination, and physical—grading or sloping the ground.