The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) attended a workshop on mine closure legal framework in Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR).
Forester Teodorico L. Marquez, Jr., Senior Science Research Specialist from the MGB Central Office and Mr. Ramon M. Alforte, Senior Science Research Specialist from the MGB Regional Office No. IX attended the workshop, sponsored by the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR) and the Lao PDR Department of Mines, in cooperation with the Coordinating Committee for Geoscience Programmes in East and Southeast Asia.
The workshop served as a venue for the exchange of knowledge on mine closure legal framework in ASEAN Member States (AMS) and capacity building in mine closure legal framework of responsible government agencies from the Coordinating Committee for Geoscience Programmes in East and Southeast Asia (CCOP) /AMS in order to achieve and manage sustainable mine closure, methods and tools.
Specifically, the workshop became a venue for the exchange of knowledge and experience in the state management relating to mine closure and rehabilitation in AMS. The workshop was also aimed at discussing the following topics: (1) Information about current legal legislative framework; (2) Information about development of mine closure plans; (3) International good practicable mine closure legal framework; (4) Participation of stakeholder in development of mine closure plans; (5) Financial assurance for mine closure and rehabilitation; and (6) Relinquishment process.
The participants also conducted a mine visit in Phu Kham Copper-Gold Mine in the said country.
Dr. Adichat Surinkum, Director, CCOP Technical Secretariat, recognized the efforts of the AMS in the conduct of progressive rehabilitation in preparation for the implementation of final rehabilitation activities stipulated in the mine closure plans. Also, Dr. Surinkum expected that the workshop will serve as a good avenue for sharing of experience, knowledge and networking towards sustainable development for mine closure in AMS.
Mr. Wolfgang Schirrmacher, Associate Advisor, Lao-German Project entitled, Support for a Sustainable Development of the Mining Sector (SDMS), a project supported by BGR in coordination with the Department of Mines, Ministry of Energy and Mines, Lao PDR, presented the status of SDMS that ultimately aim to achieve sustainable development of the mining sector by increasing the institutional and technical capacity of the Lao Mining Authorities.
Mr. Nigel Murphy, Director, Principal, Environmental Scientist, Earth Systems, presented the topic on Planning for Successful Mine Closure – Leaving a Positive Legacy. The presentation also highlighted the role of different stakeholders, such as the government, mining company and the local community towards resources legacy brought about by mining. Accordingly, key stakeholders will view mine closure success differently and sharing common closure goals will be critical for its success.
Mr. Matthew Bliss, Deputy Director, Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development (IGF) presented their efforts in supporting IGF Members on post-mining transition and APEC Mine Closure Checklist for Governments. Mr. Bliss also highlighted that the commitment of IGF for its members is to ensure that mining activities within their jurisdictions are compatible with the objectives of sustainable development and poverty reduction.
A representative from AMS also prepared a 15-minute country report presentation based on the outline provided by the sponsors to enable a structured and mutual experience exchange regarding the mine closure legal framework from respective AMS.
The Workshop was held at the Mercure Hotel, Vientiane on May 7-11, 2018.
By: Mine Safety, Environment and Social Development Division
Participants of the Workshop on Mine Closure Legal Framework in ASEAN Member States in in Mercure Hotel, Vientiane, Lao PDR on May 7-11, 2018
Dr. Adichat Surinkum, Director, CCOP Technical Secretariat during his welcome address
Mr. Wolfgang Schirrmacher, Associate Advisor, Lao-German Project entitled, Sustainable Development of the Mining Sector by Increasing the Institutional and Technical Capacity of the Lao Mining Authorities during his keynote message
Mr. Nigel Murphy, Director, Principal, Environmental Scientist, Earth Systems while presenting the topic on Planning for Successful Mine Closure – Leaving a Positive Legacy
Mr. Matthew Bliss, Deputy Director, Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development (IGF) while presenting the topic on Supporting IGF Members on Post-mining Transition and APEC Mine Closure Checklist for Governments
Mr. Teodorico Marquez, Jr., Senior Science Research Specialist, MGB Central Office while presenting the mine closure legal framework of the Philippines
Mr. Ramon M. Alforte, Senior Science Research Specialist, MGB Regional Office No. IX during the open forum after thematic session
Group photo of the participants together with Phu Bia Mining personnel taken at the TSF’s view deck