Mine life planning

Planning for mine closure is about ensuring a sustainable, productive future

Our approach

We use land for a limited time - the life of a mine - and we want to ensure that in the future our land is available for other uses, such as conservation, grazing and housing.

Mine life plans (also known as closure plans) are required for every Rio Tinto operation. They are developed by a multi-disciplinary team including mine planners, engineers and specialists in the areas of finance, environment, cultural heritage, community relations and human resources. This ensures all issues and options are considered. Consultation with the local community is also an important aspect of the development of these plans.

Mine life plans are reviewed and updated throughout the life of the mine.

2009 activity

During 2009, Kestrel Mine's mine life plan was reviewed and updated. The mine life plan for our Blair Athol Mine will be reviewed in 2010.  A detailed mine life plan for the Hail Creek Mine will commence in 2010. Finalisation of the Clermont mine life plan is planned for 2012. All other mine life plans are current.