Orchestrating closure success: the Closure Planning Practitioners Association’s model for building professional closure planning capacity

Authors: Murphy, D; Latham, C; Gumbleton, D; du Plooy, J; Lombard, P; McKay, K Download Paper Open access courtesy of:

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2615_01

Cite As:
Murphy, D, Latham, C, Gumbleton, D, du Plooy, J, Lombard, P & McKay, K 2026, 'Orchestrating closure success: the Closure Planning Practitioners Association’s model for building professional closure planning capacity', in AB Fourie, G Boggs, J Heyes & M Tibbett (eds), Mine Closure 2026: Proceedings of the 19th International Conference on Mine Closure, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 1-3, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2615_01



Abstract:
Successful mine closure depends on more than technical studies and engineered designs – it depends fundamentally on the capability of the professionals who orchestrate environmental, social, financial and regulatory considerations across the mining life cycle, drawing together diverse specialist inputs much like a conductor leading an orchestra. The Closure Planning Practitioners Association Incorporated (CPPA), a not‑for‑profit organisation founded in 2018, was established to promote global leading practice skills in closure and to build professional capacity across Australia’s closure planning workforce. This paper outlines how the CPPA has strengthened professional closure planning capability and capacity through 4 significant achievements. First, the CPPA delivers a globally recognised technical webinar series and maintains a growing knowledge hub, providing contemporary, accessible learning for practitioners at all levels. Second, the CPPA released a closure planning competency framework and companion self-assessment tool that define practice streams, proficiency levels and technical capabilities; industry practitioners now use these to inform professional development plans and capability mapping. Third, through sustained engagement in the national review, the CPPA secured formal recognition of closure planning as a specialist occupation under the Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA, formerly known as the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations), establishing an identifiable workforce category that enables education pathways, labour market analysis and future accreditation. Finally, the CPPA hosts regional networking and an innovative mentoring program, using event-driven fireside chat and speedmentoring formats to strengthen practitioner networks and accelerate knowledge transfer. While these achievements represent meaningful progress, the CPPA’s work is far from complete. Professionalising closure planning is an evolving journey – one that requires sustained effort to strengthen capability, deepen practitioner identity, and embed ethical, competent practice across all mine closure themes. As the CPPA continues to mature, adapt and expand its initiatives, the CPPA model offers a practical and transferable approach that can be applied across international jurisdictions seeking to build the professional closure planning capacity required for successful mine closure.

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