PATHWAY TO RELINQUISHMENT
Evolving regulatory and community expectations has resulted in a high level of uncertainty as to what successful rehabilitation and closure looks like today. Put simply, the ‘goal posts’ have changed since many mine closure plans were developed and are still moving. There is little precedent globally (or in Australia) to show that relinquishment can be achieved at all, let alone, in a timely manner.
INCREASING EXPECTATIONS
While traditional mine rehabilitation focused on restoration of the area to pre-mining landscapes, there is increasing community expectation that mine rehabilitation will be carried out to support active community contributing post-mining land uses.
SIGNIFICANT COST
Traditional rehabilitation and closure models also require long periods of monitoring to demonstrate acceptable future land uses. Meeting these requirements can negatively impact mining company value and cash flow, and in doing so challenge the whole of life viability of other mine assets and potential investments.
R2R can play a significant role in solving these complex issues by leveraging capital, adding diverse expertise and taking a unique approach as the long-term owner of end-of-life mine assets.