Mine closure: the environmental challenge

The legacy of abandoned mines and their associated environmental problems h as led to an increased emphasis on mine closure planning in recent years. I n many countries planning for closure is a relatively new concept and rapid ly changing economic conditions can lead to preparations for, or the carryi ng out of, mine closure before adequate planning has taken place. A good un derstanding of the technical issues relating to land degradation caused by mining, the environmental impacts and the restoration objectives and option s that need to be considered is vital to allow realistic, site-specific, en vironmental management plans to be drawn up and implemented effectively.