Environmental & Reclamation
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Mine Closure
-
Land Preparation Reclamation Program
Environmental & Reclamation
- Mine Closure
- Land Preparation Reclamation Program
01.
Mine Closure
Mine closure planning is a complex process. In many ways it is as complex as the project feasibility process that culminates in a constructed operation. The planning horizon is measured in decades, not months or years. Planners must deal with social, economic and environmental parameters that over a generation are bound to change. In the past, mine closure planning has been the responsibility of operation management and focused on environmental aspects, with community involvement. To achieve this, community engagement is needed when scoping the challenge, conceptualizing the solution, implementing the design and verifying the outcomes. In addition to increasing the level of credibility, this establishes partnerships to drive success and, in doing so, creates a forum for transparency.
Positive outcomes of effective closure planning should mean that:
- Engagement with affected and interested parties will be more consistent and transparent
- Communities will participate in planning and implementing actions that underpin successful closure
- Closure decisions will be better supported by stakeholders
- Planning for closure will become easier to manage
- The accuracy of closure cost estimates will be improved
- The risk of regulatory non-compliance will be minimized
- Potential problems will be identified in a timely manner
- There is more likely to be adequate funding for closure
- Potential liabilities will be progressively reduced
- Opportunities for lasting benefits will be recognized and planned for adequately.
01.
Mine Closure
Mine closure planning is a complex process. In many ways it is as complex as the project feasibility process that culminates in a constructed operation. The planning horizon is measured in decades, not months or years. Planners must deal with social, economic and environmental parameters that over a generation are bound to change. In the past, mine closure planning has been the responsibility of operation management and focused on environmental aspects, with community involvement. To achieve this, community engagement is needed when scoping the challenge, conceptualizing the solution, implementing the design and verifying the outcomes. In addition to increasing the level of credibility, this establishes partnerships to drive success and, in doing so, creates a forum for transparency.
Positive outcomes of effective closure planning should mean that:
- Engagement with affected and interested parties will be more consistent and transparent
- Communities will participate in planning and implementing actions that underpin successful closure
- Closure decisions will be better supported by stakeholders
- Planning for closure will become easier to manage
- The accuracy of closure cost estimates will be improved
- The risk of regulatory non-compliance will be minimized
- Potential problems will be identified in a timely manner
- There is more likely to be adequate funding for closure
- Potential liabilities will be progressively reduced
- Opportunities for lasting benefits will be recognized and planned for adequately.
02.
Land Preparation Reclamation Program
Mine surface area are frequently characterized by steep and unvegetated, rock and refuse materials where drainage is poor or uncontrolled, resulting in erosion and downstream sedimentation problems. Frequently, topsoil is not available, and topsoil amendments or substitutes are necessary for effectively establishing vegetation. Other problem conditions can include landslides, acid mine drainage, fires and safety and structural hazards due to shafts or mine subsidence.
BSA has strong capable employees by the following strategies in addressing these problems :
- Conduct recounturing grading plans that provide stable slopes capable of supporting vegetation and result in balanced cut and fill, making use of site materials that complement drainage control plans.
- Develop drainage control plans that convey run off around steep slopes in stable channels and that protect reclamation work from erosion with linings requiring minimum maintenance.
- Develop sedimentation control plans consistent with the limited space typically available for pockets ponds and sediment pond at property perimeters.
- Use topsoil substitutes or amendments including cover crop, if advantageous for establishing vegetation.
- Use on-site materials to the extent possible to deal with issues such as landslides,fires,etc.
02.
Land Preparation Reclamation Program
Mine surface area are frequently characterized by steep and unvegetated, rock and refuse materials where drainage is poor or uncontrolled, resulting in erosion and downstream sedimentation problems. Frequently, topsoil is not available, and topsoil amendments or substitutes are necessary for effectively establishing vegetation. Other problem conditions can include landslides, acid mine drainage, fires and safety and structural hazards due to shafts or mine subsidence.
BSA has strong capable employees by the following strategies in addressing these problems :
- Conduct recounturing grading plans that provide stable slopes capable of supporting vegetation and result in balanced cut and fill, making use of site materials that complement drainage control plans.
- Develop drainage control plans that convey run off around steep slopes in stable channels and that protect reclamation work from erosion with linings requiring minimum maintenance.
- Develop sedimentation control plans consistent with the limited space typically available for pockets ponds and sediment pond at property perimeters.
- Use topsoil substitutes or amendments including cover crop, if advantageous for establishing vegetation.
- Use on-site materials to the extent possible to deal with issues such as landslides,fires,etc.
