The socio-economic aspects of mine closure and sustainable development: literature overview and lessons for the socio-economic aspects of closure-Report 1

A study was conducted to generate a locally relevant guideline for the socio-economic aspects of mine closure for South African closure practitioners and decision makers. Mine closure, and its related post-closure social, environmental, and economic characteristics, was part of the lifecycle of mining operations, given the finite nature of the ore resource. The research was undertaken to support the guideline analyses international and local experiences of closure, with a view to providing South African practitioners and decision makers with guidance on enhancing the management of the social and economic aspects of closure. The guideline, provided in a separate Report, focused on the social context of mine closure. Closure requirements in relation to host communities were a special focus area in the guideline. The focus of the study was to identify and address shortfalls in the management of the social aspects of closure in the country, with a view to providing a social process guide for use by closure practitioners.