Gregory, G, Pedlar-Hobbs, R & Chubb, D 2023, 'Creating value in the post-closure period through collaborative closure planning', in B Abbasi, J Parshley, A Fourie & M Tibbett (eds), Mine Closure 2023: Proceedings of the 16th International Conference on Mine Closure, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2315_017
(https://papers.acg.uwa.edu.au/p/2315_017_Gregory/)
Abstract: Despite growing emphasis on integrating regional socioeconomic considerations into mine closure and postclosure planning in part through closure-specific engagement efforts, the prevalent industry approach to reclamation and closure remains focused on relinquishing assets and liability as quickly as possible. ERM refers to this approach as a “rush to relinquishment”. Yet adopting this mindset often results in overly ambitious timelines, untenable costs, and enduring liabilities that often overlook socioeconomic opportunities that can create shared value for miners and their regional stakeholders in the post-closure period. Through a variety of publicly available documents and publications, in this paper we demonstrate the value of a collaborative and increasingly flexible approach to closure planning that incorporates a more balanced form of stakeholder engagement. In particular, we describe an approach to engagement that rests between traditional bilateral forms of engagement and broad regional planning, and which can allow for innovative closure and post-closure project opportunities. We provide a discussion and emerging examples of this balanced form of engagement as part of outlining a preferred approach to mine closure and post-closure planning. 

Keywords: stakeholder engagement, collaboration, regional development, value creation, post-closure