The new ISO standard for mine closure and reclamation planning

Authors: Van Zyl, D; Nahir, M; Hutchison, I Download Paper Open access courtesy of:

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2315_002

Cite As:
Van Zyl, D, Nahir, M & Hutchison, I 2023, 'The new ISO standard for mine closure and reclamation planning', 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_002



Abstract:
This paper provides an overview of the new ISO standard (ISO 21795) Mine Closure and Reclamation Planning. The Standard contains two separate Parts: Part 1 provides key requirements while Part 2 provides recommendations and guidance. The two overarching objectives of the Standard are to provide a key international resource that encapsulates best practices and related guidance across the many areas of specialty involved with planning for mine closure; and to make this available to a wide range of stakeholders, especially for countries with minimal access to best practices and planning guidance. The intended audience for the Standard includes those with responsibility for, or an interest in, planning for mine closure and reclamation. This includes mine planners and designers, mine operators, regulators, environmental assessors, communities, Indigenous Peoples, and financial stakeholders, amongst others. The Working Group that developed the Mine Closure and Reclamation Planning Standard was made up of over 60 experts representing 13 countries, including several developing countries that can benefit from the best practices and guidance encapsulated by these two documents. The two Parts of ISO 21795 have been prepared to cover the lifecycle of requirements, recommendations, and supporting information that apply to mine closure and reclamation planning, including consideration of mine closure and reclamation objectives, technical procedures, consideration and mitigation of socio-economic impacts, financial planning and assurance, unplanned and post-closure activities, as well as data and knowledge management. This paper describes these requirements, recommendations, and supporting information.

Keywords: standards, mine closure, guidance

References: