Summary

This review describes the design of mines and mine facilities, including infrastructures, open pits, underground mines, tailings facilities, waste rock dumps, heap leach pads and other waste disposal facilities for closure. This review lists technology resources, websites, case histories, and consultants that discuss the design of mines for closures, including consideration of the current and future costs of mine reclamation, restoration, and long-term surveillance and maintenance post-closure.

---

INTRODUCTION

Designing and operating a mine for closure is now almost a commonplace. But if you are new to the concept or seek to refresh your information base, here is our summary of the current state of the technology, art, and thinking on the topic.