What is mine closure?
Mine closure is an important issue to many governments and to the mining industry. When a mine is closed there can be serious impacts on the local community. In many cases the mine has been a major economic player in the region providing substantial fiscal revenue and many social services to the local community. The closure of a mine raises concern about the ongoing environmental management of the mine, unemployment, and the continuation of social services (such as water, power, and health care) .
What is the World Bank Group's role in mine closure?
The World Bank Group has been active in mine closure through the coal mine restructuring operations in the Former Soviet Union and Central and Eastern Europe. These operations are generally concerned with both physical closure in an environmentally acceptable manner and with mitigating the social impact of closure on the workforce and community. IFC now requires all mining projects it supports to have a mine closure plan.
Related events:
Sustainable Decommissioning of Oil Fields and Mines, April 21-22, 2009 (Click here for the draft Toolkit.)
Sustainability and the Governance of Mining Revenue Sharing: Can Mining Fiscal Revenues Contribute to Poverty Alleviation?, April 4-5, 2000 — In keeping with government and industry concern, the Mining Department convened a workshop for practitioners of Mine Closure in March 2000 which focused on the social and environmental aspects of closure. Case studies from the state sector, the private sector, and governments from around the globe were presented and discussed. It is clear that planning for mine closure will not only help mitigate negative impacts but can also create opportunities to bring positive benefits to the local community. It is generally agreed that, while it will be a living document, planning for mine closure should begin as early as possible – preferably before mining begins.
Related publications:
Toward Sustainable Decommissioning of Oil Fields and Mines
Financial Surety: Guidance Notes for the Implementation of Financial Surety for Mine Closure by Meredith Sassoon, Extractive Industries for Development #7
Construction and Decommissioning, IFC Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines
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