Thinking of the future, acting today: building post-mining legacies through innovation, technology, and engagement

Authors: Januário, J; Silva Della Torre, AP; Duffles, E; Roque, G; Almeida, E Download Paper Open access courtesy of:

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2515_41

Cite As:
Januário, J, Silva Della Torre, AP, Duffles, E, Roque, G & Almeida, E 2025, 'Thinking of the future, acting today: building post-mining legacies through innovation, technology, and engagement', in S Knutsson, AB Fourie & M Tibbett (eds), Mine Closure 2025: Proceedings of the 18th International Conference on Mine Closure, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 1-12, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2515_41



Abstract:
Planning the future use of mining sites is increasingly complex in modern society, requiring a careful balance between transparency and execution. With extractive industries facing stricter regulations, increased societal scrutiny and growing expectations for sustainable transitions, transparent disclosure of post-mining transition plans is essential for maintaining stakeholder trust. However, fulfilling these commitments poses technical, financial, social, and environmental challenges; requiring innovative and collaborative approaches. These challenges are particularly pressing due to the already planned mine closures in the coming years and the growing demand for sustainable mining of critical minerals in the green economy. Given the unpredictable nature of the future, envisioning future scenarios and developing aligned strategies must go hand in hand. This includes identifying moments to anticipate likely outcomes based on past trends and current dynamics (forecasting) and envisioning the desired future and how to achieve it (foresight). At the same time, addressing critical societal questions is essential, especially regarding how behavioural and macro forces shape solutions, while fostering critical thinking. Balancing present expectations with the uncertainties of future outcomes remains a significant challenge, especially in an uncertain and complex world. Thus, building future readiness, rather than attempting to provide definitive answers, is key to shaping the trajectory of these areas. It is important to consider a variety of potential outcomes and their impacts. As opportunities arise, the ability to manage uncertainty must also grow to effectively respond to changing conditions. This paper examines the importance of managing both transparency and practical steps in mine repurposing, reflecting on key perspectives such as uncertainty management; human factors; digital transformation; and decision-making. It also highlights strategies and initiatives by Vale S.A. to address challenges in planning for future use of mining sites, emphasising continuous evolution, optimisation, and the integration of emerging technologies, agile methodologies and design thinking approaches.

Keywords: post-mining planning, mine repurposing, sustainable transitions, post-closure vision, stakeholder partnerships, collaborative engagement

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