Closure planning and implementation are critical aspects of sustainable mining design and management.
We develop closure plans that meet front-end and ongoing permitting requirements and promote a positive legacy. Our closure planning and design services involve a range of consulting, environmental and engineering disciplines, including civil, hydrology, hydrogeology, geochemical engineering, architecture, biology, social economics and geology.
Mine closure planning
Our experts prepare closure plans for permitting and costing purposes within pre-feasibility and feasibility studies, and for closure execution. We provide detailed closure engineering, mine closure plans, reclamation, restoration, and Quality Assurance and Control (QAC) services for closure and post-closure monitoring.
Additionally, we develop mine closure criteria, which are incorporated into the designs of major facilities including mine entrances, underground mines, tailings facilities, heap leach pads, and open pits. The primary objective for closure is to achieve long-term physical and chemical stability of mine-impacted areas. Communities affected by mining operations must also be supported in transitioning to sustainable socio-economic conditions during and after the mine’s operational life.
Remediation of abandoned mine sites
Legacy mining facilities, often managed by governments, can require additional rehabilitation efforts to meet closure standards. These legacy sites require specific needs and technical expertise. It is common for these sites to necessitate remediation of existing contamination. Our team develops plans and executes on the remediation and reclamation of these sites to successfully meet regulatory closure criteria.
Mine closure design and implementation
For mines nearing the end of their operating life, we provide technical support to finalise detailed designs for closure construction and the decommissioning or repurposing of facilities such as process plants and buildings. During the mine closure implementation stage, our project delivery capabilities allow us to manage broad scopes of closure works in a cost-effective and timely manner. We also assist clients in implementing progressive closure schemes to ease the year-on-year impacts of capital expenditures.
Geochemistry and water quality
A key aspect in closure planning and design involves the geochemical processes related to acid rock drainage and metals leaching, and their impacts on water quality. Our approach to evaluating and minimising water quality impact includes managing contact and non-contact water sources within the mine to limit the water requiring treatment before discharge. Water balance and mass balance modelling help predict the quantity and quality of water to be treated to meet effluent limits where required. Our experts also use modelling to design and evaluate alternative methods for achieving geochemical stability in closure, considering environmental, technical, social and economic factors.
Bioaccumulation
When remediating a contaminated site, it’s important to consider the success and efficiency of closure measures. Our bioaccumulation studies make it possible to understand how an ecosystem is adapting and functioning, evaluate the success of the remediation, and identify any potential problems for timely resolution.