Introduction and Assessment of a Socio-Economic Mine Closure Framework

Abstract

This paper introduces and assesses the Socio-Economic Mine Closure Framework. The Framework assessment included an online survey distributed to 151 experts, and a field investigation, conducted in Mongolia, in which the local community was invited to participate. A key objective of the case-study was to identify and assess the community investment initiatives implemented by a mining company. The fieldwork also aimed to assess the perceptions of local residents about the success of these initiatives. The study indicates that it would be relevant, timely and appropriate for the mining industry to adopt the proposed Framework. The case-study analysis found that several initiatives were implemented and supported by the company, but that the company's relationship to local governments was deemed to be too close and as such, was found to overshadow many of its initiatives. This situation resulted in a lack of awareness on the part of local residents regarding the community investments made by the company. Some of the programs available to the community, such as the microcredit program, would need to be reviewed because of a lack of transparency and limited accessibility. Furthermore, local residents expect a greater focus on the development of small businesses and job creation. The engagement and participation of local residents is limited, andlocal residents want to have a say in the decisions that affect the community.

Planning for social and community-engaged closure: A comparison of mine closure plans from Canada's territorial and provincial North

“…For mine closure to be successful and not repeat past failures, companies must work to understand and apply community expertise. Goals and outcomes for closure must engage local values, needs, priorities, and visions for the future (Xavier et al, 2015). A detailed analysis of Northern Canadian closure plans allowed us to examine how government policy and industry practices are coming together in this region to create particular futures for mine sites (and their affected communities).…”

“…To date, the literature on community-engaged mine closure is limited to documenting past failures and consultant reports on best practices with few or no real examples of success (Morrison-Saunders, 2019;Stacey et al, 2010;Strambo et al, 2019). Documentation of effective community engagement strategies for socio-economic closure planning is scarce (although see Costa, 2015;Xavier et al, 2015) Questions of community engagement and participation in mine closure planning are particularly acute for those developments on or proximate to Indigenous territories. Historically, Indigenous peoples in mining regions have often been excluded from the economic and employment benefits of mining, while suffering from mining-induced displacement (Ali, 2003;Bebbington, 2012;Horowitz et al, 2018;Keeling and Sandlos, 2009).…”

“…Some closure plans briefly mention the transfer of infrastructure to communities after closure, but with no real plans for execution. Without clear strategies for this transfer companies risk leaving communities with infrastructure that they are unable to operate and maintain (Laurencont et al, 2019;Roberts et al, 2000;Xavier et al, 2015).…”

Social aspects in the process of mine closure: evolution and avenues for future research agenda

“…Although the social aspects emerge as evolving knowledge, increasingly drawing the attention of mining researchers, the small number of publications on social issues suggests a lesser emphasis on these aspects within the literature (Bainton & Holcombe 2018). The effects of a mine closure on a community can persist for many years after a mine ceases operations, which causes several negative socio-economic impacts on the physical and mental wellbeing of residents (Xavier et al 2015). In such a scenario, two main questions arise: What are the implications of the mine closure process for the sustainable development of the territory?…”

Interesting case studies of conscious uncoupling

“…The closure plan adopted by a mine is largely dependent on the location of the mine and the critical receptors identified in the mine's zone of influence (Wright 2016). However, mines focus on the physical aspects of closure involving land rehabilitation, while underemphasising the socio-economic impacts (Xavier et al 2015). This may be perhaps due to much higher complexities when dealing with humans.…”