Mine life planning

All Rio Tinto operations are required to have a mine life plan, also known as a closure plan, to minimise adverse impacts on the natural and human environment, and to ensure a legacy remains which makes a positive contribution to sustainable development.

Coal & Allied ensures closure planning is incorporated into every stage of mine life.  For example, in new operations a mine life plan is now prepared even before it is approved and construction commences.  Plans are then reviewed and updated throughout the life of the mine.

To ensure all issues and options are considered, the mine life planning process is carried out by a multi-disciplinary team including mine planners, engineers and specialists in the areas of finance, the environment, community relations and human resources.  Community consultation is also a part of the process, with input sought on the vision for closure and preferred end land use.

In 2007 we met all our targets in the area of mine life planning by completing plans for the Bengalla mine and Mount Thorley Warkworth, which were reviewed by the Rio Tinto Closure Steering Committee. A mine life plan was also completed for the Mount Pleasant project as part of the feasibility study.