Closure management

One hundred per cent of our operations have Closure Plans, integrating the International Council on Mining and Metals closure toolkit.

We regularly review all potential closure risks to retain value for future generations. The guiding principles that support our closure planning are fit for purpose, consistent with regulatory requirements and fully integrated into our business planning cycle.

All Closure Plans include closure criteria and land use options, as well as current and future shared economic, environmental and social value. This includes requirements for rehabilitation of disturbed areas, decommissioning infrastructure, remediation of contaminated sites, disposal of waste and monitoring of effectiveness. Consideration is also given to economic transitions and sustainable communities, especially where we have a significant presence in the region.

Our Closure Plans provide the basis for closure cost estimates and associated financial provisions. Further information on our closure provisions can be found in note 15 on page 123-125 of the financial statements in the 2019 Annual Report.