Does the integration of enviromental impact assessment and mine closure planning deliver effective mine closure plans in Western Australia?
|
Authors: Getty, R; Morrison-Saunders, A Open access courtesy of:
|
DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_rep/1915_66_Getty
Cite As:
Getty, R & Morrison-Saunders, A 2019, 'Does the integration of enviromental impact assessment and mine closure planning deliver effective mine closure plans in Western Australia?', in AB Fourie & M Tibbett (eds), Mine Closure 2019: Proceedings of the 13th International Conference on Mine Closure, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 817-832, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_rep/1915_66_Getty
Abstract:
Environmental impact assessment (EIA) and mine closure planning became formally integrated in Western Australia in 2011 when amendments to the Mining Act 1978 resulted in the requirement of a mine closure plan (MCP) to be submitted by proponents along with their EIA documents. This procedural innovation aimed to force early consideration of mine closure in line with international best practice and raise the level of closure planning compliance. Internationally, it is generally held that early closure planning will reduce costs and improve closure outcomes thereby reducing financial, environmental and social liabilities. This paper presents the results of the first study to explore the integration of EIA and mine closure planning in Western Australia and consider the extent to which such integration facilitates effective MCPs at the project approval stage. The opinions of twelve experienced EIA and/or mine closure professionals, representing regulators and proponents alike, were obtained from semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis used both top down and bottom up approaches to identify recurring themes and novel concepts. Overall both regulators and proponents were found to be strongly supportive of the integration of EIA and the potential of early planning to improve mine closure outcomes, particularly with regard to the identification and reduction of risk. However, opinions were divided about the influence of integration on the effectiveness of early MCP or if the current Western Australian ‘Guidelines for Preparing Mine Closure Plans’ are capable of delivering effective early MCP. The responses suggest that although the current regulatory framework exists to drive integration that could enable effective MCP at the project assessment and approval stage, the most important factor is the motivation of key facilitators to pursue good outcomes. Opportunities to enhance the current framework lie in increasing transparency, expanding aspects of the guidance and ensuring enforcement of the commitments made in mine closure plans.
Keywords: environmental impact assessment, mine closure planning, integration, effectiveness
References:
Amirshenava, S & Osanloo, M 2018, ‘Mine closure risk management: an integration of 3D risk model and MCDM techniques’, Journal of Cleaner Production, vol. 184, pp. 389–401, doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.01.186
Banhalmi-Zakar, Z & Larsen, S 2015, ‘How strategic environmental assessment can inform lenders about potential environmental risks’, Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal, vol. 33, no. 1, pp. 68–72, doi: 10.1080/14615517.2014.941143
Bond, A & Morrison-Saunders, A 2018, ‘Environmental Impact Assessment and the quest for sustainable mining’, in S Lodhia (ed.), Mining and Sustainable Development: Current Issues, Routledge Studies of the Extractive Industries and Sustainable Development, London, pp. 47‒64.
Braun, V & Clarke, V 2006, ‘Using thematic analysis in psychology’, Qualitative Research in Psychology, vol. 3, no. 2, pp. 77–101.
Canter, L & Atkinson, SF 2010, ‘Adaptive management with integrated decision making: an emerging tool for cumulative effects management’, Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal, vol. 28, no. 4, pp. 287–297, doi: 10.3152/146155110X12838715793002.
Cruz, FB, Veronez, FA & Montaño, M 2018, ‘Evidence of learning processes in EIA systems’, Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal, vol. 36, no. 3, pp. 242–252, doi: 10.1080/14615517.2018.1445177
Department of Industry, Innovation and Science 2016, Mine Closure - Leading Practice Sustainable Development Program for the Mining Industry, Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra.
Department of Mines and Petroleum & Environmental Protection Authority 2009, Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Mines and Petroleum and the Environmental Protection Authority in relation to the referral of Mineral and Petroleum (Onshore and Offshore) and Geothermal Proposals, viewed 21 March 2019,
Department of Mines and Petroleum & Environmental Protection Authority 2015, Guidelines for Preparing Mine Closure Plans, Department of Mines and Petroleum, East Perth.
Doelle, M & Sinclair, AJ 2006, ‘Time for a new approach to public participation in EA: promoting cooperation and consensus for sustainability’, Environmental Impact Assessment Review, vol. 26, pp. 185‒205.
Duncan, R 2008, ‘Problematic practice in integrated impact assessment: the role of consultants and predictive computer models in burying uncertainty’, Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal, vol. 26, no. 1, pp. 53–66, doi: 10.3152/146155108X303931.
Environment and Communications References Committee 2019, Rehabilitation of mining and resources projects as it relates to Commonwealth responsibilities, Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra.
Environmental Protection Authority 2018, Environmental Impact Assessment (Part IV Divisions 1 And 2) Procedures Manual, Environmental Protection Authority, Perth.
Geneletti, D 2014, ‘Integration of impact assessment types improves consideration of alternatives’, Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal, vol. 32, no. 1, pp. 17–18, doi: 10.1080/14615517.2013.872846.
Gehman, J, Lefsrud, LM & Fast, S 2017, ‘Social license to operate: Legitimacy by another name?’, Canadian Public Administration, vol. 60, no. 2, pp. 293‒317.
Grant, CD & Lacy, HWB 2016, ‘Developing Anglo American’s integrated closure planning system requires people, process and technology working together’, in AB Fourie & M Tibbett (eds), Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Mine Closure, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 581–594.
Greig, L & Duinker, P 2014, ‘Strengthening impact assessment: what problems do integration and focus fix?’, Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal, vol. 32, no. 1, pp. 23–24, doi: 10.1080/14615517.2013.872849.
Gorey, P, Morrison-Saunders, A, Doepel, D, Mtegha, DH & McHenry, MP 2014, ‘Dealing with mining legacies: from bonds to a central mining rehabilitation fund in Western Australia’, in IM Weiersbye, AB Fourie & M Tibbett (eds), Proceedings of the Ninth International Conference for Mine Closure, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth.
Government of Western Australia 2003, Hope for the Future: The Western Australian State Sustainability Strategy, Perth, viewed 18 December 2008,
Guest, G, Bunce, A & Johnson, L 2006, ‘How many interviews are enough? An experiment with data saturation and variability’, Field Methods, vol. 18, no. 1, pp. 59‒82, doi: 10.1177/1525822X05279903
Howard, B, Pershke, D & Jones, M 2014, ‘Achieving better mine closure outcomes for less money’, Proceedings of the Life-of-Mine 2014 Conference, The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Melbourne.
Hyett, D 2010, ‘Environmental risk assessment in environmental impact assessment – optional or mandatory?’, The Role of Impact Assessment in Transitioning to the Green Economy, 30th Annual Meeting of the International Association for Impact Assessment, 6–11 April 2010, Geneva.
International Council on Mining and Metals 2019, Integrated Mine Closure Good Practice Guide, 2nd edn, London.
International Association for Impact Assessment 1999, Principles of Environmental Impact Assessment Best Practice, International Association of Impact Assessment and the Institute of Environmental Assessment.
Kabir, SMA, Rabbi, F, Chowdhury, MB & Akbar, D 2015, ‘A review of mine closure planning and practice in Canada and Australia’, World Review of Business Research, vol. 5, no. 3, pp. 140‒159.
Keith, A & van Rensburg, F 2017, ‘Reimagining mine closure and rehabilitation’, AusIMM Bulletin, April 2017, The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Melbourne.
Kolhoff, AJ, Runhaar, HAC & Driessen, PPJ 2009, ‘The contribution of capacities and context to EIA system performance and effectiveness in developing countries: towards a better understanding’, Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal, vol. 27, no. 4, pp. 271–282, doi: 10.3152/146155109X479459
Kwasniak, AKL 2010, ‘Use and abuse of adaptive management in environmental assessment law and practice: a Canadian example and general lessons’, Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management, vol. 12, no. 4, pp. 425–468, doi: 10.1142/S1464333210003723
Laurence, D 2006, ‘Optimisation of the mine closure process’, Journal of Cleaner Production, vol. 14, pp. 285–298, doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2004.04.011
Leech, BL 2002, ‘Asking questions: Techniques for semi-structured interviews’, Political Science and Politics, vol. 35, no. 4,
Loch, RJ & Howard, EJ 2018, ‘Material characterisation – avoiding unnecessary costs and failures’, From Start to Finish: Life of Mine Perspective, Spectrum 24, The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Melbourne.
McCullough, CD, Harvey, B, Unger, BCJ, Winchester, S, McCarthy, B & Coetzee, J 2018, ‘From start to finish – a perspective on improving sustainable development aspects of life-of-mine practices’, From Start to Finish: Life of Mine Perspective, Spectrum 24, The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Melbourne.
McHenry, MP, Morrison-Saunders, A, Gorey, P, Sequeira, AR, Mtegha, H & Doepel, D 2015, ‘Puzzled: navigating extractive policy information jigsaws for best practice and transparency’, The Extractive Industries and Society, vol. 2, pp. 401‒405.
Minister for Mines and Petroleum 2012, Petition No. 143 – Environmental Legacy of Mining, [letter to the Standing Committee on Environment and Public Affairs.
Moffat, K & Zhang, A 2014, ‘The paths to social licence to operate: an integrative model explaining community acceptance of mining’, Resources Policy, vol. 39, pp. 61‒70.
Morrison-Saunders, A & Bailey, M 2000, ‘Transparency in environment impact assessment decision-making: recent developments in Western Australia’, Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal, vol. 18, no. 40, pp. 260–270.
Morrison-Saunders, A & Pope, J 2013, ‘Mine closure planning and social responsibility in Western Australia: recent policy innovations’, in J Wiertz (ed.), 2nd International Conference on Social Responsibility in Mining, Gecamin, Santiago,
pp. 211–219.
Morrison-Saunders, A, McHenry, MP, Rita Sequeira, A, Gorey, P, Mtegha, H & Doepel, D 2016, ‘Integrating mine closure planning with environmental impact assessment: challenges and opportunities drawn from African and Australian practice’, Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal, vol. 34, no. 2, pp. 117‒128.
Mudd, GM 2010, ‘The Environmental sustainability of mining in Australia: key mega-trends and looming constraints’, Resources Policy, vol. 35, pp. 98‒115, doi: 10.1016/j.resourpol.2009.12.001
Namey, E, Guest, G, McKenna, K & Chen, M 2016, ‘Evaluating bang for the buck: a cost-effectiveness comparison between individual interviews and focus groups based on thematic saturation levels’, American Journal of Evaluation, vol. 37, no. 3, pp. 425–440, doi: 10.1177/1098214016630406
Nehring, M & Cheng, X 2016, ‘An investigation into the impact of mine closure and its associated cost on life of mine planning and resource recovery’, Journal of Cleaner Production, vol. 127, pp. 228–239, doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.03.162
Nichols, LN 2019, ‘Alt Resources to fast-track Bottle Creek gold mine into production within two years’, Small Caps, viewed 27 March 2019,
Orenstein, M, Fossgard-Moser, T, Hindmarch, T, Dowse, S, Kuschminder, J, McCloskey, P & Mugo, RK 2010, ‘Case study of an integrated assessment: Shell’s north field test in Alberta, Canada’, Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal, vol. 28, no. 2, pp. 147–157, doi: 10.3152/146155110X498816
Otto, JM 1997, ‘A national mineral policy as a regulatory tool’, Resources Policy, vol. 23, pp. 1‒7.
Parsons, R & Moffat, K 2014, ‘Integrating impact and relational dimensions of social licence and social impact assessment’, Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal, vol. 32, no. 4, pp. 273–282, doi: 10.1080/14615517.2014.936107
Pope, J, Bond, A, Cameron, C, Retief, F & Morrison-Saunders, A 2018, ‘Are current effectiveness criteria fit for purpose? Using a controversial strategic assessment as a test case’, Environmental Impact Assessment Review, vol. 70, pp. 34–44, doi: 10.1016/j.eiar.2018.01.004.
Sánchez, LE & Mitchell, R 2017, ‘Conceptualizing impact assessment as a learning process’, Environmental Impact Assessment Review, vol. 62, pp. 195‒204.
Sánchez, LE, Silva-Sánchez, SS & Neri, AC 2014, Guide for Mine Closure Planning, Instituto Brasileiro de Mineração, Lago Sul, viewed 19 March 2019,
Sánchez, LE & Hacking, T 2002, ‘An approach to linking environmental impact assessment and environmental management systems’, Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal, vol. 20, no. 1, pp. 25–38, doi: 10.3152/147154602781766843
Saunders, M, Lewis, P & Thornhill, A 2009, Research methods for business students, 5th edn, Pearson Education Limited, Harlow.
Scrase, JI & Sheate, WR 2002, ‘Integration and integrated approaches to assessment: what do they mean for the environment?’, Journal of Environmental Policy & Planning, vol. 4, pp. 275–294, doi: 10.1002/jepp.117
Sroufe, R 2017, ‘Integration and organizational change towards sustainability’, Journal of Cleaner Production, vol. 162, pp. 315–329, doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.05.180
Stambolie, T 2017, ‘Rethinking mining studies in line with environmental requirements’, AusIMM Bulletin, February 2017, The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Melbourne.
Steadman, A & Green, KP 2018, Fraser Institute Annual Survey of Mining Companies 2018, Fraser Institute, viewed 1 April 2019,
Sweeting, AR & Clark, AP 2000. Lightening the Lode: A Guide to Responsible Large-Scale Mining, Business and Policy Group, Conservation International, Washington.
Tajima, R & Fischer, TB 2013, ‘Should different impact assessment instruments be integrated? evidence from English spatial planning’, Environmental Impact Assessment Review, vol. 41, pp. 29‒37, doi: /10.1016/j.eiar.2013.02.001
United Nations 2015, Transforming our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, A/RES/70/1, viewed 17 October 2017, %20Sustainable%20Development%20web.pdf
van Asselt, MBA 2000, ‘Integrated assessment’, Perspectives on Uncertainty and Risk, Springer, Dordrecht.
Waldeck, S, Morrison-Saunders, A & Annandale, D 2003, ‘Effectiveness of non-legal EIA guidance from the perspective of consultants in Western Australia’, Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal, vol. 21, no. 3, pp. 251–256, doi: 10.3152/147154603781766239
© Copyright 2024, Australian Centre for Geomechanics (ACG), The University of Western Australia. All rights reserved.
View copyright/legal information
Please direct any queries or error reports to repository-acg@uwa.edu.au
View copyright/legal information
Please direct any queries or error reports to repository-acg@uwa.edu.au