Mine closure

Mineral resources are finite, making the eventual closure of a mining operation inevitable. Leaving a community with a sustainably rehabilitated landscape benefits everyone; the local community, the ecosystem and the reputation of the company. Planning for closure needs to be a collaboration between governments, industry and communities to both understand and address the environmental, social and economic impacts.

Responsible closure involves the removal of all infrastructure and facilities, the rehabilitation of surface land, and taking all necessary measures to ensure community livelihoods are sustainable beyond the life of the mine.

To mine with principles is to plan, design for, and implement responsible closure strategies. To sustainably manage the natural resources and biodiversity of our planet, enhancing the social wellbeing of local communities, and making financial provision to fulfill those plans. It is what we expect of our members. Our ICMM Integrated Mine Closure – Good Practice Guide provides mining companies with the information needed to effectively integrate closure across the mining life cycle.

Visit our dedicated Integrated Mine Closure: Good Practice Guide website to find out more. Or download the guide in full as a PDF.