Closure planning refers to the comprehensive, forward-looking process of preparing for the eventual permanent cessation of mining operations at a site. In bauxite, gold, iron ore, and diamond mining, closure planning begins during the early stages of mine development — often at the feasibility or even pre-feasibility phase — and is continuously updated throughout the life of the mine. The plan addresses environmental, social, economic, and technical aspects of decommissioning, encompassing activities such as equipment removal, infrastructure demolition, land recontouring, revegetation, water management, and post-closure monitoring. Regulatory bodies in most jurisdictions require a formally documented closure plan as a condition of the mining licence. A robust closure plan helps companies forecast long-term financial liabilities, engage stakeholders proactively, and ensure that the mined land can be transitioned to an agreed post-mining land use — such as agriculture, conservation, or community development — with minimal residual risk to the environment and surrounding communities.
