Engr. Rodolfo L. Velasco Jr. Chief Science Research Specialist and Engr. Marcial H. Mateo, Supervising Science Research Specialist from the Mine Safety, Environment and Social Development Division of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau attended a Mine Closure Workshop sponsored by Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in association with the 11th APEC Mining Task Force Meeting.
The workshop is part of a larger project funded by APEC to design the Mine Closure Checklist for Government publication.
The Checklist will provide the essential elements of a successful mine closure governance framework in an accessible, easy to use format that is intended to be universally understood and applicable. It is intended for governments as well as mining companies and non-government organizations seeking to advocate for mine closure in their respective regions. It will also encourage governments in developing economies to adopt best practices to create favorable conditions for sustainable mining.
The workshop aimed to (1) Present a draft of the Mine Closure Checklist to solicit feedbacks especially from developing countries; (2) Explore key challenges and opportunities for success in mine closure from different stakeholder perspectives; and (3) Draw on lessons learned from completed mine closure projects and through the use of examples and case studies, provide an overview of important concepts and considerations.
Mr. Bjorn Weeks, Lead Consultant from APEC discussed the principal policy issues for governments with regard to mine closure, such as regulatory framework; monetary policy for mine closure and post-closure; evaluation of cost estimates; relinquishment; temporary and sudden closure; abandoned mines; and many more.
Technical and environmental considerations in mine closure design and planning was also presented by Mr. Weeks focusing on the (1) technical role of the each government for mine closure; (2) its design criteria for mine closure; and (3) incorporation of the following environmental considerations in closure such as post closure land use, mine waste management, water management and climate change.
The perspective of the different sectors (private, community, academe, financial institutions, etc.) with regard to mine closure were also presented during the said forum. Among the presenters during the session were from Canada, Philippines and Papua New Guinea.
During the break out session, the participants were divided into groups to discuss the feedback on the Mine Closure Checklist and share their respective country’s experience and best practices with mine closure.
The Workshop was held at the National Convention Centre in Hanoi, Vietnam on May 9, 2017.
By: Mine Safety, Environment and Social Development Division
Photo 1. Draft Mine Closure Checklist for Governments.
Photo 2. Arrival of the delegates during the Mine Closure Workshop.
Photo 3. Delegates from the Philippines (from left: Engr. Rodolfo L. Velasco, Jr. (Chief, MSESDD, MGB), Dr. Merian Mani (President, Marinduque State College) and Engr. Marcial H. Mateo (Chief, Mine Rehabilitation Section, MSESDD, MGB).