Finucane, SJ 2008, 'Thinking About the End Before You Start — Integrating Mine Closure Planning into Feasibility Studies and Environmental and Social Impact Assessment', in AB Fourie, M Tibbett, I Weiersbye & P Dye (eds), Mine Closure 2008: Proceedings of the Third International Seminar on Mine Closure, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 171-182, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/852_16
(https://papers.acg.uwa.edu.au/p/852_16_Finucane/)
Abstract: It is widely recognized that mine closure planning should be an integral part of overall mine planning. 
Ideally, this process should commence in the earliest phases of feasibility assessments. Closure planning that 
is tailored to the needs of the project, and is commensurate with the level of feasibility study or other 
assessment being conducted at that time, can influence project decisions, trigger improvements in project 
design and provide rigor to costings. In some instances, early consideration of closure issues and costs may 
even prevent a company from proceeding with a project that would incur significant liabilities or would be 
unsustainable. For many projects, a mine closure plan is prepared when required for the site’s 
environmental and social impact assessment and permitting process. All too frequently, this is the first time 
that closure requirements have been considered in the planning process.  
Mine closure planning conducted during impact assessment tends to focus on the development of high-level 
closure objectives and strategies, but provides little information on how these will be implemented, and 
generally does not include a closure cost estimate. Consequently, there is little certainty about whether the 
proposed closure plan can be implemented effectively, and the stated outcomes can be achieved. The 
challenge for mine closure planning during feasibility studies and impact assessments is to provide sufficient 
certainty for proponents, regulators, shareholders and other stakeholders at a stage in the project life that is 
often characterized by degrees of uncertainty. There needs to be clear guidance on how closure objectives 
can be achieved within the broader project framework so as to facilitate effective decision making at all 
levels. However, inherent in closure planning should be sufficient flexibility and adaptive management to 
address, for example, changes in project designs and stakeholder requirements, operational constraints and 
other circumstances not evident during the planning process, technological advances and improvements in 
industry best practice. This paper discusses key considerations and presents suggestions for integration of 
mine closure planning into feasibility studies and environmental and social impact assessments.