The expectations of internal and external stakeholders from an environment, social, governance (ESG) perspective continue to rise. Mine Closure represents an opportunity to demonstrate these principles in action and help your company stand out. This course presents an opportunity for resource professionals to deep dive into the key components of this important process and recognise the compelling business case for Integrated Mine Closure (IMC) that can realise significant value to operations.

This Professional Certificate introduces Integrated Mine Closure (IMC), the role of environmental and socio-economic knowledge base and the importance of a shared closure vision; the criticality of social transition and leaving a positive legacy to successful IMC; the importance of closure integration into LoM planning and multi-disciplinary ownership of IMC. You will learn to identify and assess closure risks and opportunities to reduce risk and realise value; recognise that the execution of closure plans requires the same project management rigour as the original mine development; and explain success criteria and associated monitoring and maintenance programs to drive relinquishment.

Module 1 | Introduction to Integrated Mine Closure

• Business case and challenges
• Knowledge base (environmental and socio-economic)
• Internal and external requirements
• Closure vision, land-uses and objectives

Participants will be able to apply their knowledge of integrated mine closure to create effective and sustainable plans that mitigate environmental and social impacts and optimise economic benefits. This includes explaining the compelling business case and challenges to IMC, and identifying internal and external stakeholder requirements and communicating effectively throughout the process. They will also recognise the importance of the environmental and socioeconomic knowledge base to establish a baseline for IMC planning, and the crucial role that stakeholder ownership of the closure vision and associated land-uses plays.

Module 2 | Social Transition

• Identifying stakeholders
• Stakeholder engagement plan
• Social Investment and positive legacy
• Governance

Participants will understand the criticality of social transition to successful IMC and the importance of stakeholders being engaged early with clear communication of the level of influence through appropriate forums. This includes leaving a positive legacy through the development of enduring non-mining related enterprises to support communities post-closure. They will also recognise that governance related to closure occurs throughout the LoM and at different levels, with a particular focus on closure costs and regular independent review.

Module 3 | Integrated Planning

• Life of mine plans
• Maturity assessment across the LoM
• Domain based closure activities
• Design criteria

Participants will recognise the importance of closure integration into LoM planning and multi-disciplinary ownership of IMC. This includes explaining the importance of increasing maturity of closure activities throughout the LoM and identification of actions to iteratively address gaps. They will also describe domain based closure activities related to mine voids, waste and infrastructure, and the importance of design criteria and the impact of climate change on IMC.

Module 4 | Risk/Opportunity and Closure Planning

• Closure risk assessment
• Opportunities analysis
• Closure liability and cost estimates
• Integrated closure plan

Participants will identify and assess closure risks, while identifying actions to address unacceptable residual risks after closure activities have been implemented. This includes recognising the opportunities presented through comprehensive risk analysis and IMC, and the importance of their analysis and realisation to create value. They will also be able to explain the different types of closure costs and their purpose, as well as the key components of an Integrated Closure Plan.

Module 5 | Execution

• ICP to PFS/FS
• Progressive rehabilitation/trials
• Execution plan
• Demolition and decommissioning

Participants will recognise that the execution of closure plans requires the same project management rigour as original mine development and involves increasing levels of detail across the final ten years of operations. This includes identifying infrastructure sale or demolition activities, and understanding the importance of progressive rehabilitation and closure activities throughout the LoM to optimise closure costs and decrease risk. They will also explain how the continuous improvement of the integrated closure plan throughout the LoM is dependent on the identification and implementation of actions that must be resourced and tracked.

Module 6 | Success Criteria, Monitoring & Relinquishment

• Success criteria
• Maintenance and management
• Reporting and technology platforms
• Relinquishment or alternative

Participants will explain SMART success criteria and associated monitoring programs, and their importance in driving relinquishment. This includes the identification of appropriate maintenance and management activities for areas that do not meet defined success criteria. They will also recognise the importance of reporting and technology platforms to engage internal and external stakeholders, as well as explaining alternatives to relinquishment as an outcome of the IMC process.

This course is suitable for specialists in disciplines that have a role to play in Integrated Mine Closure such as:

• Mine planners
• Mining engineers
• Mine closure practitioners
• Technical services
• Finance
• Legal
• Social
• Safety/health
• Human resources
• Environmental.
• Mine Closure Practitioners that would like to refresh or improve their knowledge and skills in this area
• Mid-level managers (Coordinators and Superintendents)

Our curriculum is designed to enhance understanding and skills in integrated mine closure planning, so participants can execute effective strategies for mine rehabilitation, and ensure sustainable outcomes for both the environment and local communities.

• A good working knowledge of English.
• AusIMM courses are generally suitable for people who have completed their tertiary education and have been in the workforce for at least two years.
• No other pre-requisites are required.