SAMCA: a new tool to assess and improve performance in addressing 
the social aspects of mine closure

doi:10.36487/ACG_repo/2615_13

Authors: Worden, S; Harris, J

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DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2615_13

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Worden, S & Harris, J 2026, 'SAMCA: a new tool to assess and improve performance in addressing the social aspects of mine closure', 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. 1-15, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2615_13

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Abstract:
In the next decade, 1,000 mines around the world are expected to close. While the environmental dimensions of closure (and their accompanying governance instruments) are well established, the same cannot be said for the social aspects of closure. If not improved, the long-term sustainability of resource-dependent communities could be at risk, affecting the lives and livelihoods of millions of people. Comprehensive yet practical governance instruments are needed to support closure planning practice. Drawing on the literature, international standards and guidance materials, we developed a preliminary framework social aspects of mine closure assessment (SAMCA) to enable mining companies to assess and improve their performance in addressing the social aspects of mine closure across 3 dimensions: mine closure governance, engagement on mine closure and post-mining transition. SAMCA was subsequently reviewed by 9 experts in mine closure (including mined land rehabilitation, transitions and/or the social dimensions of mining) using a 3-round Delphi process characterised by anonymity and controlled feedback. It underwent a further round of beta testing when it was used to assess the performance of an operational Australian mine in the conceptual closure planning stage, using qualitative data obtained from document review, interviews and site visits. SAMCA has 66 indicators and is aligned with closure planning stage gates (i.e. conceptual closure planning, pre-feasibility closure planning and feasibility closure planning). Achievement is measured across the 3 dimensions with a method previously used to assess closure preparedness. This paper presents an overview of SAMCA and the findings from the assessment of the mine’s performance. While we found some fundamental processes for managing the social aspects of mine closure firmly in place and examples of excellence, improvement was needed in integrating social data and community perspectives into the mine closure plan and closure planning into the mine’s business plan.

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