Using bow-ties to provide a clear and transparent mine closure plan

Authors: Ryan, M

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DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2415_68

Cite As:
Ryan, M 2024, 'Using bow-ties to provide a clear and transparent mine closure plan', in AB Fourie, M Tibbett & G Boggs (eds), Mine Closure 2024: Proceedings of the 17th International Conference on Mine Closure, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 953-960, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2415_68

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Abstract:
Mining has been a key driver of Australia’s economic development for more than two centuries. Approximately AUD 18.4 billion in mining products is exported every month, representing more than half (58%) of Australia’s monthly export revenue (Australian Bureau of Statistics 2022). New mines to support the energy transition to a cleaner future will open, and operating mines with depleted resources will close. CSIRO anticipates that about 240 currently operating Australian mines will be entering the closure phase by 2040 (CSIRO 2023). Conservative estimates of expenditure on mine closure and remediation activities at these mines is up to AUD 8 billion annually (CSIRO 2023).  The mining industry is facing increasing community expectation and government regulation to close and rehabilitate mines in a manner that optimises social and environmental outcomes. This paper describes an innovative approach to mine closure planning that is being show-cased at the Energy Resources of Australia (ERA) former Ranger Uranium Mine, which is located within, but separate from, the dual World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park. The approach uses bow-tie diagrams to provide, on a single page, a clear and transparent way of showing progress towards achieving environmental requirements and closure criteria. Each bow-tie diagram shows threats, preventative controls, corrective actions and residual risks. The predicted effectiveness of each control and corrective action is rated objectively. This approach narrows the focus and attention of research and onsite activities for both the mining company and the regulator, thereby avoiding potential scope creep and reducing costs.

Keywords: Ranger uranium mine, innovative mine closure plan

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