EXCURSION •
Figure 6: Open-pit closure tool.
• Utilise advanced decision-making tools: Given the complexity of quantifying and planning mine closure, it is advisable to adopt decision-support tools, such as the Multi-Criteria Decision-Making approach. These tools facilitate prioritisation and effective resource allocation, aligning closure planning with operational and environmental goals.
• Ensure financial alignment throughout operations: Integrate financial planning for mine closure into the operational budget from the onset. Maintaining this alignment ensures that sufficient resources are allocated over the mine ' s life, reducing the risk of underfunding at closure.
Implementing these recommendations will support sustainable closure practices, mitigate long-term risks, and promote alignment with environmental, social and governance principles. •
Makahamadze, 2023
Figure 4: Open-pit closure tool.
Conclusion and recommendations The foundation of successful mine closure lies in incorporating closure planning from the early stages of mining operations. This proactive approach ensures that closure considerations are seamlessly integrated throughout the mine’ s lifecycle, enabling smoother transitions, minimising challenges, and fostering the development of innovative solutions. Strategically beginning with the end in mind creates a robust framework for transparent collaboration with stakeholders, reducing the potential for conflict and facilitating timely regulatory compliance. Conversely, deferring closure planning can lead to rushed decision-making, inflated costs, and prolonged negative impacts.
To enhance the effectiveness of mine closure strategies, the following recommendations are proposed:
• Establish a robust cost and liability allocation framework: Develop criteria to allocate closure costs and liabilities proportionately based on the value and duration of each operation( Mining life cycle, e. g. 15 – 20 years of extraction). This ensures that even in cases where Company X transfers an asset to a smaller entity, it retains a degree of financial responsibility, safeguarding the integrity of closure activities.
References:
1. ANZMEC, 2000. Strategy Framework for Mine Closure. Canberra, Australian and New Zealand Minerals and Energy Council.
2. Blackman & Burne, 2009. Progressive closure planning at the Magellan Mine-providing some certainty in uncertain times: a case study. Mine Closure, pp. 93-100.
3. Carter, T., Eberhardt, E., Graaf, P. d. & Hutchinson, D., 2024. Natural Landslide Analogues as Benchmarks for Long- Term Pit Slope Post-Closure Performance. Nova Lima, Slope Stability 2024.
4. Graaf, Carter. & Stacey, 2021. Geotechnical Guidelines for Open Pit Closure – a new publication by the Large Open Pit( LOP) project. s. l.: Large Open Pit. 4. Grant, C. & Botha, R., 2019. Mine Closure Toolbox. 3 ed. London: Anglo
American plc. 5. ICMM, 2019. Integrated Mine Closure. 2nd Edition ed. s. l.: ICMM. 6. Kabir, S., Rabbi, F., Chowdhury, M. & Akbar, D., 2015. A Review of Mine Closure Planning and Practice in Canada and Australia. World Review of Business Research, 5( 3), pp. 140-159.
7. Laurence, D., 2006. Optimisation of the mine closure process. Journal of Cleaner Production, 14( 3-4), pp. 285-298.
8. McHaina, 2010. Environmental Planning Considerations for the Decommissioning, Closure and Reclamation of a Mine Site. International Journal of Surface Mining, Reclamation of a Mine Site, 15( 3), pp. 163-176. 9. Mpanza et al.,( 2021) 10. Watson & Olalde( 2019)
An Integrated Closure Planning System involves a fundamental approach wherein environmental safeguarding is a priority from the onset and is sustained throughout the operational lifecycle of the mine. www. africanmining. co. za African Mining Publication African Mining African Mining • January 2026 • 27