This report presents the results of a study of industry practitioner perspectives on the social aspects of mine closure. This research has been conducted under the auspices of the CSRM Social Aspects of Mine Closure Consortium.
This study builds on the 2019 SAMCC projects which examined participatory methods for mine closure, innovative practices and mine closure regulation by seeking to understand site-based practitioner perspectives. These studies gave insights into the general industry approach to closure from a management and regulatory perspective. In contrast, this study takes a bottom-up approach, looking at dynamics at play for practitioners on the ground. Pockets of innovative and strategic practice exist at individual sites, but many of the lessons learned remain hidden – both within companies, and to a broader audience.
The insights provided by this study:
- Illuminate an area of practice that is often invisible and bring attention to its importance to companies, regulators and communities.
- Identify practice limitations, opportunities and key lessons for industry practitioners and closure managers.
- Provide insights to inform future research/engagement projects of the SAMCC.
Keenan, J. (2020). Examining mine closure through the lens of industry social practitioners. St Lucia: Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining, The University of Queensland.