As part of BHP Iron Ore's policy and goal of achieving a high standard of
environmental management within its operations, a protocol for mine
closure has evolved. The need to demonstrate sound environmental
management with respect to site decommissioning meant that a
comprehensive, environmentally sensitive closure protocol was required. Within this framework, a four-phase protocol was developed, the first
phase was the determination of objectives in relation to site rehabilitation
and end land use. The second phase was the determination of the process
required to achieve these objectives. The third phase was the application
of this process in a site specific manner. The fourth and final phase was
monitoring of the site with regard to the achievement of determined
objectives. The protocol was originally developed to direct the closure and
decommissioning of the Goldsworthy site in 1992. This being the first
total site decommissioning for BHP Iron Ore. Since that time the
protocol has been successfully utilised for the closure of the Yampi
(Koolan Island) operations (in 1993/94) and the Shay Gap/Nimingarra
Operations (in 1994/95).