University of Queensland’s Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining (CSRM) has created a new publicly available information hub on mine closure planning and post-mining transition.
The resources created by a team of the CSRM’s researchers and staff are set to benefit local communities and other stakeholders.
The hub will provide information for communities and unpacks the social aspects of mine closure using non-technical language, videos, podcasts and infographics.
The Mine Closure Hub was developed through the Social Aspects of Mine Closure Research Consortium, a three-year program of research that was supported by seven industry partners: Anglo American, BHP, MMG, Newcrest, Newmont, OceanaGold and Rio Tinto.
“Mine Closure Hub was created to help support the active participation of communities in mine closure planning and to bring attention to the social dimensions of closure,” Dr Sandy Worden said.
“Around 1,000 mines worldwide are facing closure within the next ten years, according to global data provider S&P Global – that’s one in six mines. These closures represent significant socio-economic as well as environmental risks for affected towns and regions.”
Dr Worden said impacted communities have the right to be involved in decision-making around matters that affect them.
“The complexity of mine closure, jargonistic terminology and long planning lead times can make it challenging for [the community] to share their knowledge, aspirations and concerns with mining proponents,” Dr Worden said.
“Mine Closure Hub explains how communities can participate in closure planning and mini case studies showcase what’s possible when they are involved. The hub also provides information about the closure process, associated challenges, post-mining land uses, regional dynamics, plus a comprehensive glossary of closure terms and links to other resources.”
CSRM said a key focus when developing the hub was to incorporate the voices of community members impacted by mining and mine closure.
Social aspects of mine closure relate to the socio-economic, political, cultural, human health and well-being and institutional impacts that emerge when mining activities end; how impacts are addressed, and the planning and management processes needed for that assessment; and long-term sustainability beyond the life of active operations.
“For land-connected peoples, including Indigenous peoples, well-being costs often link with the environment and include impacts to identity, cultural and spiritual connections, and their inherent obligations to look after Country. Other costs are associated with communities’ dependence on mines for their economic base, infrastructure and service provision,” Dr Worden said.
The Mine Closure Hub esource is publicly available.
Featured image courtesy of the University of Queensland.
Caption: (left–right) Patricia Munguia Llort, Rosemarie Tapia Rivera, Dr Sandy Worden
