Closure

Each of our operations have a closure plan that outlines criteria, land use options, and cost estimates for closure and progressive rehabilitation. These closure plans are regularly assessed against our internal standards and procedures by independent auditors, and we benchmark our planning approach against that of industry leaders.

We review our closure plans annually and conduct comprehensive updates every three years to factor in climate change impacts, evolving operating contexts, legislative requirements and stakeholder expectations.

Through these processes, we ensure compliance with regulatory obligations and enhance the governance controls within our business, especially considering significant reforms and shifting social expectations in some jurisdictions where we operate.

Detailed closure engineering studies have begun for operations with less than 10 years before their expected closure date. The studies examine post-mining land uses, current infrastructure and land use, remediation and rehabilitation, and an assessment of the socio-economic impact on communities.