3 Successful Mine Closure Cases

September 12, 2024

Just as important as planning the extraction and utilisation of mineral assets is planning the end of mining operations. First of all, you need to realise that during mine planning, the stages from opening, development and closure are established, including some measures that are considered mitigating.

In this way, planning the mine closure is a subject that is increasingly being discussed by academics, regulatory bodies and mining companies.

By operating and closing a mine in accordance with best practices, the company demonstrates its ability to respond adequately to the demands of environmental protection and social responsibility, contributing to sustainability.

Proper mine closure therefore has a positive impact on society, directly influencing the people and environment in which the mine is located. In the examples below, we have selected three examples of successful mine closures:

Mirante do Parque das Mangabeiras, exemplo de fechamento de mina em Belo Horizonte

Mangabeiras Park: an example in the capital of Minas Gerais

Located in Belo Horizonte, in the Serra do Curral, which is now considered a cultural heritage site of Belo Horizonte, theMangabeiras Parkwas inaugurated in 1966 in order to preserve the Serra do Curral and the existing forest area, as well as creating a new recreational space for the city.

In the 1960s, the area was exploited by the Ferro Belo Horizonte S/A company, Ferrobel, for iron ore. It wasn't until 1979 that Ferrobel was shut down, but on the site you can still see one of the crushers used at the time, and . Today, the park has activities such as trails, viewpoints and even an Environmental Education Centre (CEAM).

Palco da Pedreira Paulo Leminski, exemplo de fechamento de mina no Brasil

Pedreira Paulo Leminski: A Case in Curitiba

APaulo Leminski Quarryis an open-air concert venue located in the city of Curitiba and opened in 1990. It covers an area of just over 100,000 square metres and is considered the largest fixed open-air stage in Latin America. The site previously housed a municipal quarry and an asphalt plant.

The feature that really catches the eye of those who visit the site are the more than 30 metre high rock walls. The site is part of the Parque das Pedreiras (Quarries Park), which is also home to the Ópera de Arame (Wire Opera House), a city theatre known for its unique architecture: steel tubes and a metallic structure that resembles a large but delicate wire construction.

Galeria da Mina da Passagem, exemplo de fechamento de Mina em Mariana

Passagem Mine

Considered the largest gold mine open to visitors in the world, the Passagem Mine is located in the municipality of Mariana in Minas Gerais. The mine was discovered in the 18th century and played a key role in the Brazilian Gold Cycle, from where more than 35 tonnes of gold have been extracted. The first mining company in Brazil, called Sociedade Mineralógica de Passagem, was opened by Baron Von Eschwege thanks to the discovery of the mine.

In 1976, Cia. Minas da Passagem acquired the complex and then opened the Fundão Mine to visitors in 1979, where it remains today. During the tour, visitors are transported on a trolley along a 315 metre route, reaching a depth of 120 metres.

Mining is an essential activity with a major environmental and social impact. When correct practices are employed and efficient closure planning is carried out, the positive consequences for society are remarkable.

Bonus Case

Finally, discover the Zeche Zollverein the former coal mine in Germany that has been through two major wars and today is a benchmark for Mine Closure in the world, housing museums, event spaces and much more.

Interested in the subject? Check out other articles on the blog or contact us and see how we can help you and your company.

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