Extending digital simulation frameworks from energy and manufacturing transitions to mine closure: a Decent Work perspective

Authors: Moane, N

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DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2615_25

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Moane, N 2026, 'Extending digital simulation frameworks from energy and manufacturing transitions to mine closure: a Decent Work perspective', 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. 1-12, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2615_25

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Abstract:
Mine closure imposes severe socio-economic impacts on mining-dependent communities – sudden unemployment, service collapse, and population decline – yet closure planning still relies largely on static, qualitative assessment. Digital simulation methods such as agent-based modelling (ABM) and digital twins have been applied to socio-economic transitions in energy and manufacturing. Still, no published study applies them to the socio-economic dimensions of mine closure. This paper asks whether such methods could be adapted to that context. Through a structured narrative review, it distinguishes between modelling approaches that are frequently conflated – agent-based models, system dynamics, and digital twins – and maps their capabilities against documented closure challenges using the International Labour Organisation’s Decent Work framework. On this basis, it proposes, as a research design rather than a validated model, a participatory agent-based simulation for closure: an ABM of workforce and community transition, optionally linked to a social digital twin, with stakeholder participation operationalising the social dialogue pillar. The paper sets out what would be required to assess the design and argues that its value depends on transparent data sharing between operators and communities.

Keywords: mine closure, digital simulation, agent-based modelling, digital twins, just transition, Decent Work, energy transition, Industry 5.0, workforce displacement, community resilience

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