The Lisheen site is now being repurposed as the National Bio-economy Campus
CASE STUDY
MINE CLOSURE & REHABILITATION: Getting it right
Vedanta Zinc International (VZI) received a Mine Closure Completion Certificate for the Lisheen Mine in Ireland. Dineo Phoshoko speaks to Pushpender Singla, CFO at Vedanta, about mine closure and rehabilitation processes and procedures. Could you explain the steps to follow in relation to mine closure and rehabilitation? Mining provides the critical minerals and metals needed for society. However, mining activities can impact local environments and biodiversity when not properly managed. The mines of today prepare for a rehabilitated landscape right from the beginning, in a process known as progressive reclamation. 1. Before mining Integrated mine planning for closure and reclamation - The rehabilitation planning process starts before mining begins. - Detailed closure and reclamation plans are integrated into the permitting process for mine development. - Continuous monitoring throughout the whole life cycle of the mine. - Continuous engagement and dialogue with the indigenous people, communities and regulators. - Continuous updates to ensure closure and reclamation plans complement any modifications to the mine during operation (including financial considerations). 2. During mining Planning for climate change impacts and land use - An area of the mine can be reclaimed even as other parts of the mine are in operation. - Mitigating the impact of the land disturbance during operations is critical to returning the land to a viable state.
30
- Climate change impacts (e.g. precipitation, erosion and chemical processes) should also be accounted for in this ongoing process to ensure successful closure and reclamation. 3. After mining Closure and reclamation - Once the mining process is complete, the land can be returned to a natural state and prepared for postclosure reuse. - Evidence of the mining operation must be removed as far as possible. - Mine closure and rehabilitation activities need to take local environmental conditions into account. What are the best practices when it comes to mine closure and rehabilitation? Lisheen gave a commitment to the local community to have the tailings facility 60% rehabilitated before mining ceased – and this was achieved. This progressive rehabilitation allowed for Lisheen to provide reassurance to the local community of the robustness of the closure plan. Once mining production ceased, the closure plan was implemented, which included backfilling the underground mine, clearing and removing buildings and equipment, removing ground contaminated with lead and zinc, and completing the rehabilitation of the tailings facility to farmland. This was
