What does the term "mine closure" refer to in surface mining?

The term "mine closure" refers to the process of ending mining activities after resources have been extracted from a site. This involves a series of planned procedures and practices designed to safely close a mine and restore the environment in a manner that minimizes any detrimental impact on the surrounding area and communities.

Proper mine closure encompasses various components, including dismantling equipment, dealing with waste materials, rehabilitating the landscape, and ensuring the stability of the ground to prevent hazards such as landslides or contamination. In addition to environmental considerations, mine closure also includes addressing social aspects, such as providing for the affected workforce and potentially developing alternative economic opportunities for the local community.

This overall approach is critical in responsible mining practices and sustainable resource management, emphasizing that closing a mine is as important as the operational phases of mining itself.