Latham, CL, D'Alterio, MA, Eason, D & Breton, M 2023, 'So, you think you’re ready? An overview of Rio Tinto’s Closure Readiness approach', 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_020
(https://papers.acg.uwa.edu.au/p/2315_020_Latham/)
Abstract: Although mining is an ancient industry there is limited knowledge, experience, and processes to support the transition of large-scale mining assets from the operational to closure execution phases. This gap presented a significant challenge for Rio Tinto with several assets scheduled to cease operations and transition into closure execution within the space of 12 months. In preparation for the emerging pipeline of asset closures Rio Tinto formed a dedicated global business unit for asset closure across the Rio Tinto portfolio, within which was established a Closure Readiness function. This paper outlines the Closure Readiness approach that Rio Tinto has developed to transition an asset safely and efficiently to the closure execution phase, while establishing the plan of action to realise the closure objectives. Application of the process has led to consistency, cohesion, transparency, and development of leading practice across Rio Tinto assets which continues to facilitate the optimisation of closure execution.

Keywords: mine closure, closure readiness, closure preparedness, closure execution, transition