Early-stage revegetation of tailings dam.
Sutcliffe added that West African governments were also striving to increase local economic participation in mining, bringing another dimension to mining in the region. “To create further economic value from mining, governments of host countries want to see greater localisation across the entire mining value chain – and not only in midstream operations where most of the focus has been thus far,” added Sutcliffe. Practical solutions She said that the momentum of mining activity in the region had opened up discourse on what exactly responsible mining entailed in a practical setting. “The fact that the industry is beginning to talk about longstanding challenges – and is trying to find workable solutions to them – is a step in the right direction,” she said. There is more focus on how mines effectively implement guidelines and standards to best effect, as opposed to following a box ticking exercise to ensure compliance, she said. This emphasis included the way in which mines conducted the closure of their operations when they were no longer economical to mine. “When mines are approaching the end of their lives and companies are ready to step away, the question they should be asking is this: who is going to occupy this space that once sustained entire communities and managed the environmental impact of operations for decades or even centuries?” she said. She added that mines had to start planning for closure from the time the first fleet headed into a pit or underground, considering the immense financial costs and hidden liabilities associated with closing a mine responsibly. “Mines need to remember that, at the point of closure, they will no longer be generating any revenue to cover the costs of remediation measures,” said Sutcliffe. There may also be risks that are only identified after closure, which could take centuries – and significant cost – to mitigate. “Futureproofing of their operations has not always been a key driver for mining companies,” she said. “However, they are coming to terms with the extensive planning involved in closing a mine in a responsible manner.” Sutcliffe said that dealing with potential closure problems proactively as part of day-to-day operations makes closure easier to manage. She also emphasised the importance of integrating mining, environmental and community teams early on, so that they
Open pit revegetation.
deposits in the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire are also attracting investment. Whether mining is on surface or underground, closing these operations is just as complex, he explained. It could include long-term gas and water hazard monitoring, the potential for rock instability and surface subsidence after backfilling, and persistent subterranean risk for many years after operations cease. Responsibility extends beyond the fence Wouter Jordaan, partner and principal environmental scientist of SRK Consulting (South Africa), said that the mining boom in West Africa has brought a heightened focus on responsible mining, which looks beyond operations. “This responsibility includes helping governments address the complex socio-economic challenges facing local communities,” said Jordaan. “Mines are also looking for ways to help control and manage artisanal mining on their properties – to prevent environmental degradation, such as deforestation and contamination of water bodies.” He added that mineral traceability throughout the mining supply chain was also becoming increasingly important. Purchasers of commodities today want to verify the origin, geographical path, chain of custody and processing methods of minerals that they procure. “In response, mines’ financial and social development reporting will have to become more transparent,” he said. “Shareholders want to know how mining companies are mitigating their potential exposure to liability.”
NOVEMBER2025 | www.modernminingmagazine.co.za MODERN MINING 27
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