Mine closure-participatory stakeholder engagement and socio-economic closure planning for community sustainability in the context of an uncertain future

摘要

The preparation of environmental management plans to address the long-term effects of mining on the biophysical environment, rehabilitation and mine closure has now become best practice and the subject of mining authorisations. There is increasing recognition that there is a need for socio-economic closure planning at the outset, similar to that currently required for environmental management and rehabilitation. Stakeholder engagement and social management plans are key tools to ensure that adequate attention is given throughout the mine life cycle to the long-term effects of mine closure on affected communities and their socio-economic environment. Public consultation and transparency throughout the planning and implementation process are prerequisites for building mutually beneficial partnerships to deal with social change associated with mine development and eventual closure, and for ensuring sustainable community development in the context of an uncertain future.