Well
planned and executed environmental management plans can reduce life-of-mine
operating costs and the need to deal with major environmental issues at the time
of mine closure. With proper planning during the exploration, feasibility and
execution phases of a project, final closure costs can be reduced. The reduction
of closure costs should be considered during exploration and initial feasibility
studies and when process facilities, waste rock dumps and tailings impoundments
are designed. During the mining of the resource, closure cost reduction will
depend on effective and efficient environmental management plans for ongoing
land clearance, segregation of mine waste materials, management of mine site
water and workshop wastewaters, and the establishment of progressive
rehabilitation strategies. These issues are the responsibility of planning,
production, technical support and maintenance personnel at an operating site.
The successful implementation of environmental plans will ensure that all
impacts are reduced and that closure issues with major cost implications are
addressed prior to closure of the mine.