Project duration: 1 January 2018 – 01 April 2021.

Objective

Conventional mine closure management plans (CMP) printed on paper are poorly suited for the current practice of continuous mine closure. The Closurematic project aims to improve mine closure through digitalization by creating a versatile tool that helps in planning and managing the closure process. Mine closure is important for the European mining industry because the social license to operate in a densely populated region requires environmental excellence from the operations. Mine closure and the post-closure period is key here due to its major importance for the environmental impacts of mining. In addition, the post-closure period provides a wealth of opportunities for sustainable benefits from mining, if the closure is planned and managed properly.

Mine closure is a long, continuous process that starts already in the planning phase of the mining project. It presents a major management challenge due to its complexity, uncertainties, and the multitude of internal and external stakeholders involved. It also involves considerable financial liabilities and sureties. In most cases, official closure plans also are required by the mining and environmental authorities.

The solution (technology)

Closurematic improves on the current practice of having a closure management plan on paper and stored in a folder with a digitalized system for making an ‘enhanced CMP’. It provides the user with templates for constructing CMPs for each phase of the mining operation, offers context-sensitive technical support should the user need that, provides templates for making official mine closure documents that can be tailored to each jurisdiction, includes features that help in communicating the closure process with external and internal stakeholders, and helps in tracking the costs of closure and the outstanding liabilities.

Partnership

  • Geological Survey of Finland (GTK), Finland (Lead partner)
  • The French geological survey (BRGM), France
  • DMT GmbH & Co. KG, Germany
  • Hannukainen Mining Oy, Finland
  • M-Solutions Oy, Finland

For more information please visit the official website of the project.