Xuan Nyugen is speaking at the Mine Rehabilitation and Closure Conference. For more information about this event, please visit http://www.minerehabilitation.com.au , call +61 2 9229 1000 or email enquire@iqpc.com.au

1. Mine Rehabilitation begins during Feasibility
Study Stage
Transcript of Interview with Xuan Nguyen, Senior
Environmental Manager at WA Department of Mines and
Petroleum
Mining IQ
Mine closure today is less of a technical challenge, and more of a
management one. One part of this evolution is the integration of mine
closure practices to everyday practices. What are the best practices to
this?
The best practice principles for mine closure planning are outlined in the Strategic
Framework for Mine Closure (ANZMEC/MCA 2000). In addition to being an
integrated process, mine closure planning should start upfront during the feasibility
stage of a mining project. The planning process involves internal/external
stakeholder consultation, provision of financial resources, progressive rehabilitation
and a risk based approach.
How do we actually forecast the long term and hidden costs involved in
the closing and rehabilitation of a mine site?
Mine closure costing should be estimated up front as part of the closure planning
process using a transparent and verifiable methodology and process, and the costing
should be updated regularly and further refined as the mining operation progresses
and more information become available. Costing should allow for hidden costs such
as project management costs, research and trials, post closure monitoring and
maintenance (including mobilisation of equipment).
Where are you looking towards for case studies or successful examples
of mine closure and rehabilitation?
There are some examples of successful mine closure and rehabilitation of bauxite
mines in the Southwest of WA.
How do we measure the sustainability of a mine’s environment during
operations? What do you think are the best tools and strategies here?
The presence of a mine closure planning process and how well this process in
integrated into the mine planning and operational planning processes. ICMM
provided a tools kit for mine closure planning (2008)

2. How do you successful communicate with external stakeholders to
overcome adversity in mine closures?
Identification of agreed post-mining land use and closure objectives upfront, on-
going engagement with stakeholders throughout the life of a mine and a good risk
communication strategy in place to ensure a meaningful consultation process
There’s constant change in the legislations relating to closure plans,
how are you keeping up to date on this and how do ensure your internal
stakeholders comply with regulations?
On-going communication/dialogue with regulators and internal stakeholders
throughout the life of mine.
What do you think are the major obstacles to successful mine closure
and rehabilitation? How can companies overcome these?
Lack of proper closure planning process up-front, so not enough time or budget to
deal with closure issues before a mine is closed, or cost blow out at the end.
Xuan Nguyen is speaking at the Mine Rehabilitation and Closure to be
held in Brisbane in June 2011. For more information about the event,
please visit www.minerehabilitation.com.au or call +61 2 9229 1000.
Alternatively you can email enquire@iqpc.com.au. Don’t forget to follow
us on Twitter @MiningIQ.