Assessing the management of closure provision for an open cast mining operation

Abstract

In South Africa, there were in 2008 almost 6000 abandoned mines already with many nearing the end of life in the foreseeable future. This open cast mine fits into the category where the planned closure date is approaching in less than fifteen years. An enormous task and responsibility lie on managing mining operations for an open cast mine with closure in mind. This research study proposes to assess the management of closure provision for a specific open cast mine by interviewing nine senior specialists that are involved with mine closure directly or indirectly. The literature review looks at the theoretical information of an open cast mine regarding the life cycle, contextualises the closure phase, managing the closure plan, investigating the legislation with regards to closure, sustainable mine closure and methods of closure cost estimations and reporting. The qualitative study then interviewed a total number of nine senior specialists that influences the provision for mine closure. Most of the participants are situated at the open cast mine. Five themes emerged from the phenomenological research methodology design. The themes include closure planning, provision, stakeholder engagement, sustainability and the closure toolbox. The significance of these themes contributes to the management of closure provision for an open cast mine. This study follows a qualitative approach derived from the practical experience to explore this phenomenon. This phenomenological study could, in the future influence the management of closure provisions for an open cast mine operations. The empirical evidence showed the importance, complexities and the benefit of integrated closure planning.