Home | Databases | WorldLII | Search | Feedback Edited Legal Collections Data

"The State and mine closure" [2019] ELECD 2519; in Field, Tracy-Lynn (ed), "State Governance of Mining, Development and Sustainability" (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2019) 298

Book Title: State Governance of Mining, Development and Sustainability

Editor(s): Field, Tracy-Lynn

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

Section: Chapter 7

Section Title: The State and mine closure

Number of pages: 59

Abstract/Description:

This chapter journeys to the end of the mining trajectory, examining the operation of the double movement in relation to the activities of closure, relinquishment and postclosure monitoring and management. Mine closure lacks the prestige associated with exploration, or the development and operation of a mine, but it has been described as ‘the most tangible indicator of sustainable development for the mining industry’. The idea of restoring mine sites to some level of socioecological functionality has been alive since the late nineteenth century. This chapter presents the dominant model for mine closure, which revolves around three State roles: a watchdog role during the long period of developing and operating the mine; a relinquishing role at the point of mine closure; and a ‘mender of last resort’ role for abandoned and orphaned mines. The chapter identifies a number of key contradictions, weaknesses, gaps and opacities that render the formal regulatory framework for mine closure ineffectual in many countries.