The importance of governance and the creation of a committee for a progressive mine closure strategy

Authors: Cunha, G; Mendonça, G; Nepomuceno, A; Faria, F; Granha, A Download Paper Open access courtesy of:

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2615_19

Cite As:
Cunha, G, Mendonça, G, Nepomuceno, A, Faria, F & Granha, A 2026, 'The importance of governance and the creation of a committee for a progressive mine closure strategy', 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. 1-7, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2615_19



Abstract:
Kinross Brazil Mining (KBM), which operates the Paracatu mine located in the northwest region of Minas Gerais, Brazil, adopts the concept of ‘mining to close’: an approach in which closure planning is fully integrated into the life of mine strategy, enabling the internalisation of costs, the reduction of future liabilities and the alignment of corporate decision-making with long-term sustainability objectives. Within this framework, KBM established a Technical Mine Closure Committee as a formal governance instrument responsible for coordinating operational areas, identifying synergies and ensuring that progressive closure is conducted in a structured and multidisciplinary manner. The committee’s governance structure is aligned with the company’s corporate principles, ensuring that social, environmental, technical and economic dimensions are addressed not as compensatory measures, but as strategic components aimed at consolidating KBM’s positioning as a responsible mining company. As part of this strategy, the company reinforces its commitment to collaboratively defining the post-mining land use in partnership with local communities and public authorities, thereby promoting transparency, stakeholder engagement and territorial development. The committee’s early and integrated action resulted in the establishment of a robust technical body capable of supporting strategic decision-making, reducing initiative fragmentation, mitigating interferences, anticipating risks, optimising resources and institutionalising mine closure within the organisational structure. This collaborative approach enhances operational efficiency, strengthens a just post-mining transition and reinforces governance as a central pillar of progressive mine closure.

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