Workshop: Transform. Transition. Transfer.

Session 1: Setting Up for Success, Sonia Finucane, Pershke Consulting Pty Ltd 

This workshop commences with consideration of opportunities and constraints for successful transition of a mine to the next land use and transfer to the next land holder, along with key drivers and stressors. This recognises that one of the critical challenges facing the global mining industry is how to achieve appropriate, relevant and agreed outcomes for mine closure that support environmental and socio-economic transition to the next land use(s) and divestment of residual liability. To complete this session, an interactive exercise will focus on defining success measures for transformation, transition and transfer of mine to the next land use(s). 

MORNING BREAK

Session 2: Climate Resiliency and Contamination Remediation, Jon Crosbie, Mine Land Rehabilitation Authority 

Climate change is a business disruptor – during operations in implementing closure, and post closure. So how do we best position mines to address the twin issues of climate change and climate adaption in planning and implementing closure? This session discusses the vulnerabilities of closed mine sites to climate change impacts, and the importance of resilience-building measures in rehabilitation and remediation efforts from an environmental context as well as risk to business continuity, intergenerational equity and reputational risk.

Session 3: Practical Outcomes for Environmentally and Socio-Economically Resilient Landscapes, Sonia Finucane, Pershke Consulting Pty Ltd   

One of the critical challenges facing the end of a mine life is how to achieve appropriate, relevant and agreed outcomes for mine closure and transition to the next land use. This session commences with a discussion on environmental and social processes occurring at closing and closed mines, and the connections between these. Through case studies and interactive discussion, we will then explore practical ways to avoid the pitfalls of unrealised promises and define practical environmental and socio-economic outcomes to support mine closure planning. 

Session 4: Case Study: Respecting Stakeholder Values and Resolving Conflicts, Liz Baggetta, Glen Stallard and Vanessa Glover, Synergy 

The key factors that shape stakeholder values and expectations are universal, and yet the drivers for successful closure remain as diverse as the communities impacted by mining. In this session, Synergy will discuss the Workforce Transition programs it has been implementing over the last few years as it closes its coal-fired power facilities in the Collie region of Western Australia.  Part of the region’s ‘just’ transition, these activities have assisted Synergy’s workforce and their families, to prepare for a post-mining economy and a green energy future. 

Session 5: The Cost of Mine Closure Success, Kirsty Beckett, Pershke Consulting Pty Ltd 

Achieving successful mine closure and the transition of the land to a new land use can come with a hefty price tag. This interactive game-play session simulates the different ways funding for mine closure transpires, enables participants to explore how unplanned closure costs can arise during the mine life and to consider how societal progression and regulation influence the best laid plans for achieving successful mine closure.

Wrap-up: Redefining Success

To close this workshop, we revisit the success measures defined at the start of the workshop and ask “Based on today’s sessions, has your view on what defines successful closure and custodial transfer changed?”