Glossary of terms – Mine closure hub
This glossary of terms has been developed to help navigate the technical language used by mining companies, including around mine closure.
These terms and their definitions have been adapted from:
- AusIMM Social Responsibility Framework, Appendix 5: Social Performance Definitions ICMM Community Development Toolkit. Available at https://www.icmm.com/en-gb/guidance/social-performance/community-development-toolkit
- IFC, 2014, A Strategic Approach to Early Stakeholder Engagement, A Good Practice Handbook for Junior Companies in the Extractive Industries, Available at https://commdev.org/publications/a-strategic-approach-to-early-stakeholder-engagement/
- ICMM Integrated Mine Closure Good Practice Guide, 2nd Edition (2019). Available at https://www.icmm.com/website/publications/pdfs/environmental-stewardship/2019/guidance_integrated-mine-closure.pdf
41. Relinquishment
The end of a company’s ownership of and responsibility for a mine. Involves the transfer of ownership and residual liability to the government authority or a third party. Implies that the mining company has completed all obligations outlined in the closure plan to the satisfaction of the authorities (and possibly other stakeholders).
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Professor Sandy Worden
Research Fellow, Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining