Indigenous-led Regional Cumulative Effects Assessment and Management (I-RCEAM): why it matters in Australia
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Authors: Tardin-Coelho, R Open access courtesy of:
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DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2615_18
Cite As:
Tardin-Coelho, R 2026, 'Indigenous-led Regional Cumulative Effects Assessment and Management (I-RCEAM): why it matters in Australia', 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_18
Abstract:
Sustainable mine closure increasingly requires co-led, holistic, regionally grounded approaches. In Australia, existing regulatory frameworks focus primarily on individual developments, environmental and heritage compliance, often overlooking cumulative effects of multiple operations and the knowledge and priorities of Indigenous communities. This gap limits Indigenous involvement in decision-making on lands to which they have connection and responsibility, risking long-term protection of cultural, social and ecological values, economic priorities, and the future of mining. An Indigenous-led approach to Regional Cumulative Effects Assessment and Management (I-RCEAM) is still missing in the Australian context. It offers a pathway to embed Indigenous leadership into regional mine closure processes, contributing to sustainable futures. International examples of Indigenous-led frameworks provide valuable lessons. The Guide to Effective Indigenous Involvement in Federal Impact Assessment outlines structured roles for Indigenous parties in federal decision-making. The Indigenous-led Participatory and Cumulative Impact Assessment (IPCIA) centres community-driven identification of cumulative effects and locally defined priorities. The Framework for Assessment and Management of Cumulative Effects on the North Pacific Coast integrates ecological and social indicators within Indigenous governance structures. The Metlakatla Cumulative Effects Management Program operationalises long-term monitoring and adaptive management under Indigenous oversight. Across these cases, 3 key elements emerge: meaningful Indigenous involvement, assessment processes aligned with community priorities and cumulative impacts, and management tools that embed stewardship and shared decision-making. This paper examines why an I-RCEAM matters to Indigenous communities and industry in Australia. For Indigenous communities, implementing an I-RCEAM can help strengthen self-determination, safeguard cultural and environmental values, and build trust in mine closure processes to heal and sustain Country. For industry, it can provide structured pathways for engagement, reduce conflict, and support sustainable mine closure practices, leading to improved legacy and responsible mining outcomes. Overall, developing I-RCEAM can address regulatory gaps in Australia, improve cumulative impact assessment, and ensure mine closure is socially, culturally, economically and environmentally sustainable, benefiting communities, industry and the environment alike.
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