Continued evolution of mine closure practices: integration of Indigenous perspectives and climate change in revegetation prescriptions

Authors: Kuzyk, T; Seahra, S; Lowey, J; Pedlar, R; Bequet, A-C Download Paper Open access courtesy of:

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2515_83

Cite As:
Kuzyk, T, Seahra, S, Lowey, J, Pedlar, R & Bequet, A-C 2025, 'Continued evolution of mine closure practices: integration of Indigenous perspectives and climate change in revegetation prescriptions ', 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. 1-8, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2515_83



Abstract:
Climate change is having an impact on weather patterns worldwide. Predicted changes in average conditions and an increase in extreme weather events are expected to have measurable effects on existing ecosystems. Current climate change models, particularly at northern latitudes, indicate the expansion of more moderate ecosystem types, and the potential for entirely new ecosystem types to develop. The success of mine reclamation is conventionally measured against baseline information or historical conditions. However, given the effects of climate change, closure planning and development of associated success criteria solely based on historical weather and ecosystem data and expectations, may be a prescription for failure. To ensure successful post-mining landscape resilience, new methodologies are being developed and regulatory bodies, such as the British Columbia Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals, are encouraging incorporation of climate change considerations in mine closure and returning land use planning. Recent ecosystems planning methods for reclamation employ the use of a climate-shifted baseline to develop metrics for evaluating closure success and include evolving success criteria based on lessons learnt and the ability to integrate improved climate knowledge, models, and predictions. ERM Consultants Canada (ERM) has been exploring climate modelling and climate change informed species selection tools, and multi-phased planting strategies in land reclamation. The success of these methods is underpinned by the need to align and collaborate with Indigenous nations on their intended future use of the land. By aligning what is technically feasible on post-closure landscapes from a climate change perspective with the cultural values and traditional uses, vegetation prescriptions can be designed to ensure post-closure success in a changing climate. This paper explores these best practices, and identifies ways that the industry can adapt, combine, and iterate these practices to improve reclamation success in northern latitudes.

Keywords: climate change, revegetation, closure, reclamation, Indigenous knowledge

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