More than economics: building psychological, social and cultural capital in communities to support transition to the next use of a former mine site

Authors: Bowden, M; Finucane, SJ; Godden, D Download Paper Open access courtesy of:

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2615_16

Cite As:
Bowden, M, Finucane, SJ & Godden, D 2026, 'More than economics: building psychological, social and cultural capital in communities to support transition to the next use of a former mine site', 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_16



Abstract:
Discussion on the community impact of mine closure often focuses on economic issues such as loss of jobs, but other impacts can also be significant. These include psychological impacts (e.g. feelings of hopelessness, grief, loss and isolation), social impacts (e.g. disruption to community, family and social networks) and cultural impacts (e.g. changes to identity, traditions and ways of life). The way in which these impacts are addressed strongly influences the likelihood of success in agreeing on and transitioning to the next land use for a former mine site. This is difficult as these impacts are often complex, dynamic and hard to measure or quantify, but should not be ignored, particularly where there is opportunity to intentionally create a place that has meaning and attachment for community, and instils pride and hope for the future. Key to managing and even preventing these impacts is intentionally building psychological, social and cultural capital with the same deliberate effort that companies put into building other forms of capital such as financial, political or natural capital. However, there seem to be limited processes for this, indicating that new approaches and tools are needed. These are particularly important in ensuring that the ‘left behind’ communities (i.e. communities that exist following cessation of mining) are not left behind when defining post-mining land uses and other aspects of closure planning. Processes and tools associated with futures thinking can meaningfully involve communities in designing their future, increasing resiliency and strengthening the likelihood of transition success. This paper describes how tools such as the Futures Triangle can be used in: Selecting post-closure land uses based on a shared understanding of the significance of the past, the push of present and the pull of future. Developing the psychological, social and cultural capital needed to enable transition of a former mine site to future community use.

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