Tongway, DJ 2008, 'Facilitating Mine Closure with a Continuous Analysis and Review System', 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. 21-26, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/852_3
(https://papers.acg.uwa.edu.au/p/852_3_Tongway/)
Abstract: It is rare but not unknown for a sustained “cradle to grave” effort to be applied in restoring lands affected 
by mining. The author suggests that a logical sequence of data gathering and analysis be used to make sure 
that the most appropriate soil materials, landforms and vegetation are selected for use, and that trends in 
ecosystem functioning are well-recorded, so that personnel changes do not derail the closure process. The 
author proposes that a system of acquiring information relevant to achieving the ultimate objectives of the 
post-mining land be implemented from the earliest possible stage and that the knowledge so acquired be 
acted on throughout the mine life to keep rehabilitation on track, so that closure is as smooth a process as 
possible. The approach is intended to stop unthinking “recipe book” solutions; each mine would have its 
unique factors properly investigated.