Planning for the eventual decommissioning of a mining operation is extremely important in order to minimize adverse environmental effects and financial liabilities. This is an area where our expertise (in areas such as acid mine drainage, geochemical modelling and assessment, environmental assessment and mine auditing) is extremely helpful to clients challenged with the development of the most appropriate closure strategy for their operation.

Closure planning issues vary with the type of mine (precious metal, base metal, coal), with the stage of mine development (greenfield site versus established mine) and with climate (arid, versus wet). We have participated in closure planning at all stages of mine development, from prefeasibility through operations through to rehabilitation of closed sites, and at sites all over Canada and the world. This experience allows us to quickly and efficiently determine what the key closure considerations will be for a particular site.

Prior to development of a mining operation is an ideal time to utilize the resources available at SENES. This is a time when decisions are made that can have large financial impacts in the future. Through the completion of numerous audits and assessments, SENES is well positioned to help you make decisions that will minimize the potential for such impacts. Similarly, for mines that are already in operation, our experience with rehabilitation at numerous operational and closed sites may be useful at your site.