Case study - integrated planning to enhance closure outcomes for the Pardoo Mine in Western Australia

摘要

The Pardoo Direct Shipping Ore Project is owned by Atlas Iron Limited and is located in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Iron ore mining commenced in October 2008, and under the current mine plan ore reserves will be depleted during 2014. The project is significant to Atlas as its first producing mine, and the company has committed to achieving a high standard for closure planning and implementation. Closure planning commenced during the feasibility stage of the project in 2008. Detailed closure planning was initiated during 2010 and included the use of gap analysis and risk assessment to identify closure opportunities and set planning priorities. A program of targeted investigations was then undertaken to resolve gaps and risks and to enable the development of a detailed mine closure plan. Atlas will demonstrate closure performance using robust measures, including closure objectives and criteria, to facilitate lease relinquishment in a planned and timely manner. Closure objectives and criteria have been developed in consultation with stakeholders. Atlas has integrated closure planning outcomes into the operational phase of the project to realise financial and operational efficiencies. The approach that Atlas has adopted will contribute to enhanced closure outcomes for the project.