Mitchell, A, McConnell, S & Forsyth, A 2026, 'Global pathways to relinquishment', in AB Fourie, G Boggs, J Heyes & M Tibbett (eds), Mine Closure 2026: Proceedings of the 19th International Conference on Mine Closure, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 1-13, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2615_17
(https://papers.acg.uwa.edu.au/p/2615_17_Mitchell/)
Abstract: Advances in mine closure have been driven by a global shift toward sustainable development, defined by the World Commission on Environment and Development’s (WCED)Brundtland Report (WCED 1987) as “… development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” The long-term impacts of mining in the absence of closure planning, resulting in a compromised ability to meet the needs of future generations, are clear, and attributable to legacy mine sites across the globe. There is increasing pressure on mine operators to leave a positive legacy for communities, the environment and future land users.
In line with BHP’s purpose, delivering optimised closure outcomes supports BHP’s commitment to social value and the aspiration to help to build a better world. This commitment is embedded in the Closure and Legacy Management Global Standard, which integrates planning, decision-making and implementation across the entire life cycle of an asset. The process considers environmental values, legal obligations, safety, costs, risks and stakeholder expectations. Optimised closure outcomes may include divestment, in-perpetuity management or relinquishment, or a combination of these. In the 2023 report Relinquishment of Closed Mine Sites: Policy Steps for Governments, the International Institute for Sustainable Development defines relinquishment as the “…legal transfer of responsibility for a closed mine site from the operator to the next landowner…” and acknowledges the lack of experience, of both industry and government, in navigating relinquishment.
A review of regulatory frameworks across BHP’s major operating regions was completed to determine respective relinquishment pathways, including compliance requirements and potential time implications, to enable integration into BHP’s decision-making frameworks. Consideration of this within mergers and acquisitions, exploration, life-of-asset planning, and decision evaluation frameworks (such as net present value modelling and risk assessments) will enable proactive evaluation of closure liabilities and opportunities.