Transferrable lessons from mine closure in the Arctic to remote Australian mines

Authors: Garrison, S; Rouault, C; Weber, A Download Paper Open access courtesy of:

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2615_149

Cite As:
Garrison, S, Rouault, C & Weber, A 2026, 'Transferrable lessons from mine closure in the Arctic to remote Australian mines', 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. 1-14, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2615_149



Abstract:
Remote mine sites present persistent challenges for mine closure, particularly where access constraints, limited infrastructure, extreme climatic conditions and sensitive receiving environments intersect. These challenges are heightened in this era of increasing scrutiny, climatic uncertainty and long post-closure monitoring time frames. These challenges are similar at mines in developed nations, with extreme climates and in remote locations, including the North American Arctic and much of Australia, yet differences in climate, regulatory frameworks and social contexts have driven the development of distinct closure practices. By synthesising lessons from mine closure experience at remote North American Arctic sites, this paper identifies learnings that may be relevant for Australian mine sites. These lessons are particularly useful for Australian mine sites with extreme climates and restricted or infrequent access due to remoteness. The paper examines 4 interrelated themes. First, the use of instrumentation at North American Arctic sites is reviewed, highlighting approaches for sites where access may be seasonal or intermittent. Second, advances in remote sensing, including satellite-based deformation monitoring and climate monitoring are discussed as tools to support reduced site visitation while maintaining stakeholder confidence. Third, the paper explores how design and construction decisions made during operations influence long-term closure performance in remote settings, with particular emphasis on robustness, redundancy and the value of site-specific closure trials conducted during operations. Finally, the concept of an integrated knowledge base is discussed; continuity of custodianship of site data is a persistent problem at many remote sites due to turnover during decades-long monitoring time frames. A parallel is drawn with traditional Aboriginal knowledge transfer, with focus on what can be learned by the mining community from Aboriginal groups who have long since mastered the art of passing information from one generation to the next.

References: