An outcome-focused framework for legacy mine closure

Authors: Rusinga, F; Rohde, T

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DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2615_76

Cite As:
Rusinga, F & Rohde, T 2026, 'An outcome-focused framework for legacy mine closure', 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. 1-10, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2615_76

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Abstract:
The environmental management of legacy polymetallic mines is frequently complicated by the cumulative impacts of unregulated waste disposal left unattended over many years, exceeding a century in many cases. Unlike modern operations with established closure strategies, derelict sites often present with unmapped shafts, scattered tailings and persistent acid mine drainage (AMD) integrated into local hydrological regimes. In many cases, tailings were placed within watercourse alignments where this presents a significant local and offsite environmental risk. While traditional remediation often prioritises immediate end-of-pipe solutions, this paper proposes an alternative, design-led framework. By adopting a staged, source-first methodology, the design framework aims to eliminate chemical contamination drivers before the installation of water treatment hydrological infrastructure. Depending on the catchment size draining through these sites, such structures can often represent significant capital investments. Underpinning the framework is the strategic deferment of high-capital hydrological structures pending the results of initial source term removal. If the source removal phase proves effective, large-scale infrastructure may be optimised or excluded entirely, resulting in significant cost savings. Crucially, the framework adopts a multidisciplinary approach, integrating geochemical considerations with ecological restoration, heritage conservation, Aboriginal representation and local community expectations. The ultimate objective is to provide a defensible engineering pathway for transforming high-risk industrial ‘scars’ into stable landforms suitable for regional primary production. The case studies presented in this paper were mapped as Capability Class 8 – Extreme limitations, a classification under the New South Wales Land and Soil Capability mapping system that encompasses land generally only able to sustain very low-impact uses, such as nature conservation. By implementing the proposed staged remediation framework, the goal is to stabilise these extreme limitations sufficiently to support a transition towards more productive, yet sustainable, regional outcomes such as agricultural grazing.

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