ISO 21795-1:2021
(Main)Mine closure and reclamation planning — Part 1: Requirements
Mine closure and reclamation planning — Part 1: Requirements
This document specifies a framework and the processes involved in mine closure and reclamation planning for new and operating mines. Requirements and recommendations are provided on: — mine closure and reclamation plan objectives and commitments; — technical procedures and techniques; — mitigation of socio-economic impacts; — financial assurance and associated planning; — mine closure and reclamation planning for unplanned closure; — post-closure management plan; and — mine closure and reclamation plan documentation. The following aspects of mine closure and reclamation are not addressed in this document: — infrastructure such as rail lines, ports, off-site ore loaders, power stations, etc. that are associated with the mine operation, but which are not located at the mine site; — detailed survey, testing or monitoring methods, detailed engineering procedures, detailed product requirements, or detailed construction and operational procedures; occupational health and safety management related to closure and reclamation, construction and exploration activities; — relinquishment of a closed and reclaimed mine site, or portions thereof, to a party (governmental or private entity) not related to the mine operator; — specific requirements for dealing with the radiological aspects of mine closure and reclamation, such as those that occur at uranium mining and processing facilities and other mines at which naturally occurring radioactive materials are present; however, the other aspects associated with closure and reclamation of these mines are included in this document; and — closure and reclamation of abandoned mines.
Planification de la fermeture et de la restauration des mines — Partie 1: Exigences
General Information
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INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 21795-1
First edition
2021-10
Mine closure and reclamation
planning —
Part 1:
Requirements
Planification de la fermeture et de la restauration des mines —
Partie 1: Exigences
Reference number
ISO 21795-1:2021(E)
© ISO 2021
---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
ISO 21795-1:2021(E)
COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DOCUMENT
© ISO 2021
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii
© ISO 2021 – All rights reserved
---------------------- Page: 2 ----------------------
ISO 21795-1:2021(E)
Contents Page
Foreword .v
Introduction . vi
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Mine closure and reclamation planning framework . 2
5 Framework elements for mine closure and reclamation planning .3
5.1 Responsibility . 3
5.1.1 Mine operator responsibility. 3
5.1.2 Stakeholder engagement . 3
5.1.3 Regulations . . 3
5.1.4 Financial plan . 3
5.2 Integration. 4
5.2.1 Physical and chemical control for sustainable land and water use . 4
5.2.2 Mine closure and reclamation treatment resilience . 4
5.2.3 Long-term post-closure and reclamation . 4
5.2.4 Social transition to closure . 4
5.3 Design . 4
5.3.1 Mine closure and reclamation objectives and commitments . 4
5.3.2 Timely mine closure and reclamation planning . 5
5.3.3 Mine design and operation for mine closure and reclamation. 5
5.4 Risk and opportunity assessment and management . 5
5.5 Evaluation and improvement . 5
5.5.1 Quality assurance . 5
5.5.2 Adaptive management . . 6
5.6 Knowledge and data management . 6
6 Mine closure and reclamation planning activities . 6
6.1 General . 6
6.2 Mine closure and reclamation plan objectives and commitments . 7
6.3 Technical procedures and techniques . 8
6.3.1 General . 8
6.3.2 Mine site characterization . 8
6.3.3 Physical and chemical stability . 8
6.3.4 Contaminated media . 9
6.3.5 Infrastructure decommissioning and disposal . 10
6.3.6 Post-closure land-use plan . . 10
6.3.7 Closure and reclamation plan alternatives and opportunities analyses . 10
6.3.8 Reclamation . 11
6.3.9 Progressive mine closure and reclamation . 11
6.3.10 Mine closure and reclamation schedule . 11
6.3.11 Mine closure and reclamation cost estimate .12
6.3.12 Management of risks and opportunities .12
6.4 Mitigating socio-economic impacts .12
6.5 Financial planning and assurance . 13
6.6 Mine closure and reclamation planning for unplanned closure .13
6.7 Post-closure management plan . 14
6.7.1 General . 14
6.7.2 Closure criteria . 14
6.7.3 Post-closure maintenance . 14
6.8 Documentation . 14
6.8.1 General . 14
6.8.2 Mine closure and reclamation plan . 15
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ISO 21795-1:2021(E)
6.8.3 Mine closure and reclamation plan updates . 15
6.8.4 Knowledge and data management . 15
Bibliography .16
iv
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ISO 21795-1:2021(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents shall be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to
the World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see
www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 82, Mining, Subcommittee SC 7, Mine
closure and reclamation management.
A list of all parts in the ISO 21795 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
v
© ISO 2021 – All rights reserved
---------------------- Page: 5 ----------------------
ISO 21795-1:2021(E)
Introduction
This document provides requirements and recommendations for mine closure and reclamation planning
applicable to both new and operating mines. The overarching objective is to promote consistency and
quality in planning for mine closure and reclamation internationally. ISO 21795-2 provides guidance for
implementation of this document.
The intended audience are those with responsibility for, or an interest in, planning for mine closure and
reclamation. This includes mine planners and designers, mine operators, regulators, environmental
assessors, communities, indigenous peoples, and financial stakeholders, amongst others.
Mine planning, design and operations must be fully integrated with the closure and reclamation
process. Early, continual and comprehensive mine closure and reclamation planning is essential for all
new and operating mines because it:
— leads to the highest degree of environmental and social success, usually at a lower cost than if mine
closure and reclamation planning is not done from the beginning of the mining project;
— reduces risks and liabilities throughout the mine’s operational life and on closure;
— allows for stakeholder involvement throughout, so that relevant knowledge and understanding are
brought into the planning process;
— allows for devoting more attention to sustainable development activities identifying socio-economic
opportunities for the various closure phases;
— helps build trust with governments, stakeholders and international communities;
— provides additional planning time to understand the complexity of the biophysical characteristics
and socio-economic context of each mine site;
— provides for continual improvement and updating of closure and reclamation plans;
— allows companies to better integrate closure and reclamation activities with operations;
— provides time to identify, research and develop new technologies for mine closure strategies and
mine closure treatments that increase robustness and resilience of mine closure and reclamation;
and
— allows companies to better provision for and schedule closure and reclamation funding.
There are many leading practices and guidance documents related to mine closure and reclamation
planning available in various jurisdictions and used by many mining companies and stakeholders. This
document captures the intent of such guidance documents so that it can be applied globally.
vi
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---------------------- Page: 6 ----------------------
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 21795-1:2021(E)
Mine closure and reclamation planning —
Part 1:
Requirements
1 Scope
This document specifies a framework and the processes involved in mine closure and reclamation
planning for new and operating mines. Requirements and recommendations are provided on:
— mine closure and reclamation plan objectives and commitments;
— technical procedures and techniques;
— mitigation of socio-economic impacts;
— financial assurance and associated planning;
— mine closure and reclamation planning for unplanned closure;
— post-closure management plan; and
— mine closure and reclamation plan documentation.
The following aspects of mine closure and reclamation are not addressed in this document:
— infrastructure such as rail lines, ports, off-site ore loaders, power stations, etc. that are associated
with the mine operation, but which are not located at the mine site;
— detailed survey, testing or monitoring methods, detailed engineering procedures, detailed product
requirements, or detailed construction and operational procedures; occupational health and safety
management related to closure and reclamation, construction and exploration activities;
— relinquishment of a closed and reclaimed mine site, or portions thereof, to a party (governmental or
private entity) not related to the mine operator;
— specific requirements for dealing with the radiological aspects of mine closure and reclamation,
such as those that occur at uranium mining and processing facilities and other mines at which
naturally occurring radioactive materials are present; however, the other aspects associated with
closure and reclamation of these mines are included in this document; and
— closure and reclamation of abandoned mines.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 20305, Mine closure and reclamation — Vocabulary
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 20305 apply.
1
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ISO 21795-1:2021(E)
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
4 Mine closure and reclamation planning framework
Mine closure and reclamation planning is required for all areas affected or potentially affected by the
mining infrastructure and operations. The potentially affected areas include those on which the mine
facilities are located, and adjacent areas that can potentially be impacted by surface water, groundwater
and air quality from the mining facilities. In some cases, the potentially affected areas can be located
across an international border in another country. The affected and potentially affected areas should
be clearly defined in the closure and reclamation plan.
Six framework elements, shown in Figure 1 and detailed in Clause 5, form the foundation for establishing
and maintaining effective mine closure and reclamation planning. This framework applies through
the mine closure and reclamation planning and implementation process, from initial mine planning
through to long-term post-closure. Details are provided on the processes, activities and steps necessary
to implement the framework in Clause 6.
Figure 1 — Mine closure and reclamation planning framework
Each framework element is further explained below.
Responsibility — company responsibility (see 5.1.1), including stakeholder engagement (see 5.1.2), is
inherent to the entire mine closure and reclamation planning process. Local jurisdictional requirements
can exist (see 5.1.3). Financial management and provisioning for closure (see 5.1.4) is critical to
responsibility.
Integration — mine closure and reclamation planning is an integral part of the mining life cycle,
including with respect to physical and chemical controls for sustainable land and water use (see 5.2.1).
Mine closure and reclamation treatments are required to be resilient (see 5.2.2 and 5.2.3), considering
socio-economic considerations in the transition to closure (see 5.2.4). Engagement with stakeholders
on mine closure and reclamation (see 5.1.2) is also a critical element.
2
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ISO 21795-1:2021(E)
Design — it is developed in the context of meeting closure and rehabilitation objectives, which in
turn are developed in consultation with stakeholders (see 5.3.1 and 5.1.2). Robust lifecycle design and
management should reflect this, so as to facilitate successful mine closure and reclamation (see 5.3.3).
Risk and opportunity assessment and management — it is the process to assess and manage mine
closure and reclamation risks, and to identify and act on opportunities throughout the life of the mine
(see 5.4).
Evaluation and improvement — quality assurance provides the maintenance of the mine closure and
reclamation planning standard at the corporate and operational level (see 5.5.1), while the process of
adaptive management facilitates continuous improvement through the life of the mine (see 5.5.2).
Knowledge — identifying uncertainty through knowledge gaps, building knowledge, managing,
disseminating and retaining knowledge and data that support mine closure and reclamation planning
throughout the life of the mine and beyond (see 5.6).
5 Framework elements for mine closure and reclamation planning
5.1 Responsibility
5.1.1 Mine operator responsibility
Mine closure and reclamation are mine operator responsibilities, and the associated planning shall be
incorporated in mine operator policies and procedures and be endorsed by mine operator executives
with enough authority to allocate the necessary financial and human resources. Mine operators shall
demonstrate that they have internal policies, procedures and standards to conduct mine closure and
reclamation planning and that these are embedded within organizational systems.
The respective roles and responsibilities for mine closure and reclamation for any given mine site
shall be established and clearly documented in relevant corporate and operating policies, plans
and procedures. Individuals responsible for mine closure and reclamation planning shall have the
necessary competencies, including education, training and experience to understand regulatory and
other requirements.
5.1.2 Stakeholder engagement
Stakeholders shall be engaged at all stages of the life-of-mine planning process. Outcomes of engagement
shall be addressed in mine closure and reclamation plans and in their implementation. Stakeholders
shall be identified early and updated progressively and include, the mine operator, rights holders,
downstream communities, regulators, non-government organizations, investors, community groups,
as well as future land and water users.
5.1.3 Regulations
Mine closure and reclamation planning and design can be covered in local, national and regional
regulations.
5.1.4 Financial plan
The mine operator shall develop a financial plan that details what the financial provisions are for each
stage of the life of the mine, including provisions for unplanned closure and post-closure requirements.
These shall include provisions for the necessary cash flow needed to fulfil the commitments of the mine
closure and reclamation plan.
3
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ISO 21795-1:2021(E)
5.2 Integration
5.2.1 Physical and chemical control for sustainable land and water use
Mine closure and reclamation planning and design shall meet established objectives and commitments
(as described in 5.3.1), leave the mine site in a stable and safe condition and provide for ongoing post-
mining land use. Mine features shall not release chemicals into the air, water or surrounding soils that
result in unacceptable impacts to human health or the environment as determined by site-specific risk
assessments.
To meet these requirements, the mine operator shall establish measurable mine closure and reclamation
completion criteria that shall be used to determine when mine closure and reclamation objectives
have been met. The mine operator also shall provide for monitoring of the success of mine closure and
reclamation activities.
5.2.2 Mine closure and reclamation treatment resilience
Mine closure and reclamation treatments shall be resilient so that they can respond to changes and
risks in a dynamic environment. The treatments shall provide for meeting the closure and reclamation
objectives prior to, during, or following changes and disturbances, so that these objectives are met and
sustained under both expected and unexpected conditions.
Mine closure, reclamation planning and design shall provide sufficient resilience to reduce the
risk of catastrophic and/or chronic failure and to enhance the potential for post-closure facilities
and landforms to adapt to changed conditions as necessary to still meet the design intent following
damaging natural events with minimal active management. The mine closure and reclamation plan
shall also demonstrate that post-closure facilities and landforms have been designed for closure in a
manner sufficiently resilient to cope with the effects of climate change.
5.2.3 Long-term post-closure and reclamation
The post-closure phase shall provide for adaptive management, and for ongoing environmental
protection until completion criteria and post mining land-use requirements are met, and shall include
site management that provides necessary monitoring, inspections, reporting, maintenance, and repairs,
as well as regular certifications of the integrity of mine waste containment structures. Secure long-
term funding shall be available to support these activities.
The mine closure and reclamation plan shall consider options for potential access controls to protect
human health and safety and the integrity of the post-closure environment and post mining landforms.
Access controls can include physical controls that are compatible with the land-use objectives and/or
legal land-use restrictions or covenants on the property.
5.2.4 Social transition to closure
Stakeholder engagement and communication is integral to developing plans for social transition,
through all the process of the project. Planning for social transition shall include provisions both
for social transition costs, such as ongoing consultation and engagement, workforce adaption and
community financial preparedness, and for potential social investment projects that will support
communities when mining ends and there is a transition to a post-closure land use.
5.3 Design
5.3.1 Mine closure and reclamation objectives and commitments
Mine closure and reclamation objectives and commitments shall be established as a basis for mine
closure and reclamation planning. With equal priorities, these objectives shall include the management
of human health and environmental risks, providing for the sustainability of the mine closure and
reclamation works and resulting land use, and reducing long-term maintenance requirements and
4
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ISO 21795-1:2021(E)
liabilities. The objectives shall also consider the results of stakeholder engagement, that regulations
can apply, and the mine operators’ requirements.
Objectives and commitments shall also address socio-economic and cultural aspects of mine closure
and reclamation. This shall include managing the transition of the workforce and communities through
to and beyond closure. It shall also consider future post-closure opportunities provided by the closed
and reclaimed site for the local communities and indigenous peoples where relevant.
Objectives shall establish goals and standards to be achieved, while commitments shall include specific
actions that the mine operator agrees to undertake.
5.3.2 Timely mine closure and reclamation planning
For new mines, mine closure and reclamation planning, including the associated post mining land-use
planning, shall commence with the initial mine development planning, be included in the environmental
and socio-economic assessment and permitting of the mining project, and be continually refined
and updated thereafter as necessary. For operating mines, mine closure and reclamation planning
and execution shall be undertaken as soon as possible in accordance with the requirements in this
document. Stakeholder engagement shall be undertaken to share knowledge and reach agreement on
mine closure and reclamation objectives, post-mining land use and timing of the works.
5.3.3 Mine design and operation for mine closure and reclamation
Mine planning, design and operations shall be fully integrated with the closure and reclamation process,
and shall consider the closure and reclamation requirements and the post-closure land use. Scheduling
of progressive closure and reclamation shall be included for mine features and domains such as tailings
and waste rock management, mine pits, underground workings, heap leach management facilities,
processing facilities, water management infrastructure, and all forms of supporting and service
infrastructure to optimise mine closure and reclamation outcomes. The elements of mine closure
planning and design shall be developed and matured in accordance with industry practice for capital
project development and associated progressive mine closure and reclamation schedules.
5.4 Risk and opportunity assessment and management
Risks of failure of the mine closure and reclamation plan elements and risks to achieving the post-
closure and reclamation objectives shall be assessed and managed by implementing appropriate
risk management plans. These risks include those to human health and safety, the
...
FINAL
INTERNATIONAL ISO/FDIS
DRAFT
STANDARD 21795-1
ISO/TC 82/SC 7
Mine closure and reclamation
Secretariat: KATS
planning —
Voting begins on:
2021-07-13
Part 1:
Voting terminates on:
Requirements
2021-09-07
Planification de la fermeture et de la restauration des mines —
Partie 1: Exigences
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED TO
SUBMIT, WITH THEIR COMMENTS, NOTIFICATION
OF ANY RELEVANT PATENT RIGHTS OF WHICH
THEY ARE AWARE AND TO PROVIDE SUPPOR TING
DOCUMENTATION.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
Reference number
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL, TECHNO-
ISO/FDIS 21795-1:2021(E)
LOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND USER PURPOSES,
DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS MAY ON
OCCASION HAVE TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE
LIGHT OF THEIR POTENTIAL TO BECOME STAN-
DARDS TO WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE MADE IN
©
NATIONAL REGULATIONS. ISO 2021
---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
ISO/FDIS 21795-1:2021(E)
COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DOCUMENT
© ISO 2021
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting
on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address
below or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO 2021 – All rights reserved
---------------------- Page: 2 ----------------------
ISO/FDIS 21795-1:2021(E)
Contents Page
Foreword .v
Introduction .vi
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Mine closure and reclamation planning framework . 2
5 Framework elements for mine closure and reclamation planning .3
5.1 Responsibility . 3
5.1.1 Mine operator responsibility . 3
5.1.2 Stakeholder engagement . 3
5.1.3 Regulations . 3
5.1.4 Financial plan . 3
5.2 Integration . 4
5.2.1 Physical and chemical control for sustainable land and water use . 4
5.2.2 Mine closure and reclamation treatment resilience . 4
5.2.3 Long-term post-closure and reclamation . 4
5.2.4 Social transition to closure . 4
5.3 Design . 4
5.3.1 Mine closure and reclamation objectives and commitments . 4
5.3.2 Timely mine closure and reclamation planning . 5
5.3.3 Mine design and operation for mine closure and reclamation . 5
5.4 Risk and opportunity assessment and management . 5
5.5 Evaluation and improvement . 5
5.5.1 Quality assurance . 5
5.5.2 Adaptive management . 6
5.6 Knowledge and data management . 6
6 Mine closure and reclamation planning activities . 6
6.1 General . 6
6.2 Mine closure and reclamation plan objectives and commitments . 7
6.3 Technical procedures and techniques . 8
6.3.1 General. 8
6.3.2 Mine site characterization . 8
6.3.3 Physical and chemical stability. 8
6.3.4 Contaminated media . 9
6.3.5 Infrastructure decommissioning and disposal .10
6.3.6 Post-closure land-use plan .10
6.3.7 Closure and reclamation plan alternatives and opportunities analyses.10
6.3.8 Reclamation.11
6.3.9 Progressive mine closure and reclamation .11
6.3.10 Mine closure and reclamation schedule .11
6.3.11 Mine closure and reclamation cost estimate .12
6.3.12 Management of risks and opportunities .12
6.4 Mitigating socio-economic impacts.12
6.5 Financial planning and assurance .13
6.6 Mine closure and reclamation planning for unplanned closure.13
6.7 Post-closure management plan .14
6.7.1 General.14
6.7.2 Closure criteria .14
6.7.3 Post-closure maintenance.14
6.8 Documentation .14
6.8.1 General.14
6.8.2 Mine closure and reclamation plan .15
© ISO 2021 – All rights reserved iii
---------------------- Page: 3 ----------------------
ISO/FDIS 21795-1:2021(E)
6.8.3 Mine closure and reclamation plan updates .15
6.8.4 Knowledge and data management .15
Bibliography .16
iv © ISO 2021 – All rights reserved
---------------------- Page: 4 ----------------------
ISO/FDIS 21795-1:2021(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents shall be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www .iso .org/ directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www .iso .org/ patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the
World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www .iso .org/
iso/ foreword .html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 82, Mining, Subcommittee SC 7, Mine
closure and reclamation management.
A list of all parts in the ISO 21795 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www .iso .org/ members .html.
© ISO 2021 – All rights reserved v
---------------------- Page: 5 ----------------------
ISO/FDIS 21795-1:2021(E)
Introduction
This document provides requirements and recommendations for mine closure and reclamation planning
applicable to both new and operating mines. The overarching objective is to promote consistency and
quality in planning for mine closure and reclamation internationally. ISO 21795-2 provides guidance for
implementation of this document.
The intended audience are those with responsibility for, or an interest in, planning for mine closure and
reclamation. This includes mine planners and designers, mine operators, regulators, environmental
assessors, communities, indigenous peoples, and financial stakeholders, amongst others.
Mine planning, design and operations must be fully integrated with the closure and reclamation
process. Early, continual and comprehensive mine closure and reclamation planning is essential for all
new and operating mines because it:
— leads to the highest degree of environmental and social success, usually at a lower cost than if mine
closure and reclamation planning is not done from the beginning of the mining project;
— reduces risks and liabilities throughout the mine’s operational life and on closure;
— allows for stakeholder involvement throughout, so that relevant knowledge and understanding are
brought into the planning process;
— allows for devoting more attention to sustainable development activities identifying socio-economic
opportunities for the various closure phases;
— helps build trust with governments, stakeholders and international communities;
— provides additional planning time to understand the complexity of the biophysical characteristics
and socio-economic context of each mine site;
— provides for continual improvement and updating of closure and reclamation plans;
— allows companies to better integrate closure and reclamation activities with operations;
— provides time to identify, research and develop new technologies for mine closure strategies and
mine closure treatments that increase robustness and resilience of mine closure and reclamation;
and
— allows companies to better provision for and schedule closure and reclamation funding.
There are many leading practices and guidance documents related to mine closure and reclamation
planning available in various jurisdictions and used by many mining companies and stakeholders. This
document captures the intent of such guidance documents so that it can be applied globally.
vi © ISO 2021 – All rights reserved
---------------------- Page: 6 ----------------------
FINAL DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO/FDIS 21795-1:2021(E)
Mine closure and reclamation planning —
Part 1:
Requirements
1 Scope
This document specifies a framework and the processes involved in mine closure and reclamation
planning for new and operating mines. Requirements and recommendations are provided on:
— mine closure and reclamation plan objectives and commitments;
— technical procedures and techniques;
— mitigation of socio-economic impacts;
— financial assurance and associated planning;
— mine closure and reclamation planning for unplanned closure;
— post-closure management plan; and
— mine closure and reclamation plan documentation.
The following aspects of mine closure and reclamation are not addressed in this document:
— infrastructure such as rail lines, ports, off-site ore loaders, power stations, etc. that are associated
with the mine operation, but which are not located at the mine site;
— detailed survey, testing or monitoring methods, detailed engineering procedures, detailed product
requirements, or detailed construction and operational procedures; occupational health and safety
management related to closure and reclamation, construction and exploration activities;
— relinquishment of a closed and reclaimed mine site, or portions thereof, to a party (governmental or
private entity) not related to the mine operator;
— specific requirements for dealing with the radiological aspects of mine closure and reclamation,
such as those that occur at uranium mining and processing facilities and other mines at which
naturally occurring radioactive materials are present; however, the other aspects associated with
closure and reclamation of these mines are included in this document; and
— closure and reclamation of abandoned mines.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 20305, Mine closure and reclamation — Vocabulary
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 20305 apply.
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4 Mine closure and reclamation planning framework
Mine closure and reclamation planning is required for all areas affected or potentially affected by the
mining infrastructure and operations. The potentially affected areas include those on which the mine
facilities are located, and adjacent areas that can potentially be impacted by surface water, groundwater
and air quality from the mining facilities. In some cases, the potentially affected areas can be located
across an international border in another country. The affected and potentially affected areas should
be clearly defined in the closure and reclamation plan.
Six framework elements, shown in Figure 1 and detailed in Clause 5, form the foundation for establishing
and maintaining effective mine closure and reclamation planning. This framework applies through
the mine closure and reclamation planning and implementation process, from initial mine planning
through to long-term post-closure. Details are provided on the processes, activities and steps necessary
to implement the framework in Clause 6.
Figure 1 — Mine closure and reclamation planning framework
Each framework element is further explained below.
Responsibility — company responsibility (see 5.1.1), including stakeholder engagement (see 5.1.2), is
inherent to the entire mine closure and reclamation planning process. Local jurisdictional requirements
can exist (see 5.1.3). Financial management and provisioning for closure (see 5.1.4) is critical to
responsibility.
Integration — mine closure and reclamation planning is an integral part of the mining life cycle,
including with respect to physical and chemical controls for sustainable land and water use (see 5.2.1).
Mine closure and reclamation treatments are required to be resilient (see 5.2.2 and 5.2.3), considering
socio-economic considerations in the transition to closure (see 5.2.4). Engagement with stakeholders
on mine closure and reclamation (see 5.1.2) is also a critical element.
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Design — it is developed in the context of meeting closure and rehabilitation objectives, which in
turn are developed in consultation with stakeholders (see 5.3.1 and 5.1.2). Robust lifecycle design and
management should reflect this, so as to facilitate successful mine closure and reclamation (see 5.3.3).
Risk and opportunity assessment and management — it is the process to assess and manage mine
closure and reclamation risks, and to identify and act on opportunities throughout the life of the mine
(see 5.4).
Evaluation and improvement — quality assurance provides the maintenance of the mine closure and
reclamation planning standard at the corporate and operational level (see 5.5.1), while the process of
adaptive management facilitates continuous improvement through the life of the mine (see 5.5.2).
Knowledge — identifying uncertainty through knowledge gaps, building knowledge, managing,
disseminating and retaining knowledge and data that support mine closure and reclamation planning
throughout the life of the mine and beyond (see 5.6).
5 Framework elements for mine closure and reclamation planning
5.1 Responsibility
5.1.1 Mine operator responsibility
Mine closure and reclamation are mine operator responsibilities, and the associated planning shall be
incorporated in mine operator policies and procedures and be endorsed by mine operator executives
with enough authority to allocate the necessary financial and human resources. Mine operators shall
demonstrate that they have internal policies, procedures and standards to conduct mine closure and
reclamation planning and that these are embedded within organizational systems.
The respective roles and responsibilities for mine closure and reclamation for any given mine site
shall be established and clearly documented in relevant corporate and operating policies, plans
and procedures. Individuals responsible for mine closure and reclamation planning shall have the
necessary competencies, including education, training and experience to understand regulatory and
other requirements.
5.1.2 Stakeholder engagement
Stakeholders shall be engaged at all stages of the life-of-mine planning process. Outcomes of engagement
shall be addressed in mine closure and reclamation plans and in their implementation. Stakeholders
shall be identified early and updated progressively and include, the mine operator, rights holders,
downstream communities, regulators, non-government organizations, investors, community groups,
as well as future land and water users.
5.1.3 Regulations
Mine closure and reclamation planning and design can be covered in local, national and regional
regulations.
5.1.4 Financial plan
The mine operator shall develop a financial plan that details what the financial provisions are for each
stage of the life of the mine, including provisions for unplanned closure and post-closure requirements.
These shall include provisions for the necessary cash flow needed to fulfil the commitments of the mine
closure and reclamation plan.
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5.2 Integration
5.2.1 Physical and chemical control for sustainable land and water use
Mine closure and reclamation planning and design shall meet established objectives and commitments
(as described in 5.3.1), leave the mine site in a stable and safe condition and provide for ongoing post-
mining land use. Mine features shall not release chemicals into the air, water or surrounding soils that
result in unacceptable impacts to human health or the environment as determined by site-specific risk
assessments.
To meet these requirements, the mine operator shall establish measurable mine closure and reclamation
completion criteria that shall be used to determine when mine closure and reclamation objectives
have been met. The mine operator also shall provide for monitoring of the success of mine closure and
reclamation activities.
5.2.2 Mine closure and reclamation treatment resilience
Mine closure and reclamation treatments shall be resilient so that they can respond to changes and
risks in a dynamic environment. The treatments shall provide for meeting the closure and reclamation
objectives prior to, during, or following changes and disturbances, so that these objectives are met and
sustained under both expected and unexpected conditions.
Mine closure, reclamation planning and design shall provide sufficient resilience to reduce the
risk of catastrophic and/or chronic failure and to enhance the potential for post-closure facilities
and landforms to adapt to changed conditions as necessary to still meet the design intent following
damaging natural events with minimal active management. The mine closure and reclamation plan
shall also demonstrate that post-closure facilities and landforms have been designed for closure in a
manner sufficiently resilient to cope with the effects of climate change.
5.2.3 Long-term post-closure and reclamation
The post-closure phase shall provide for adaptive management, and for ongoing environmental
protection until completion criteria and post mining land-use requirements are met, and shall include
site management that provides necessary monitoring, inspections, reporting, maintenance, and repairs,
as well as regular certifications of the integrity of mine waste containment structures. Secure long-
term funding shall be available to support these activities.
The mine closure and reclamation plan shall consider options for potential access controls to protect
human health and safety and the integrity of the post-closure environment and post mining landforms.
Access controls can include physical controls that are compatible with the land-use objectives and/or
legal land-use restrictions or covenants on the property.
5.2.4 Social transition to closure
Stakeholder engagement and communication is integral to developing plans for social transition,
through all the process of the project. Planning for social transition shall include provisions both
for social transition costs, such as ongoing consultation and engagement, workforce adaption and
community financial preparedness, and for potential social investment projects that will support
communities when mining ends and there is a transition to a post-closure land use.
5.3 Design
5.3.1 Mine closure and reclamation objectives and commitments
Mine closure and reclamation objectives and commitments shall be established as a basis for mine
closure and reclamation planning. With equal priorities, these objectives shall include the management
of human health and environmental risks, providing for the sustainability of the mine closure and
reclamation works and resulting land use, and reducing long-term maintenance requirements and
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liabilities. The objectives shall also consider the results of stakeholder engagement, that regulations
can apply, and the mine operators’ requirements.
Objectives and commitments shall also address socio-economic and cultural aspects of mine closure
and reclamation. This shall include managing the transition of the workforce and communities through
to and beyond closure. It shall also consider future post-closure opportunities provided by the closed
and reclaimed site for the local communities and indigenous peoples where relevant.
Objectives shall establish goals and standards to be achieved, while commitments shall include specific
actions that the mine operator agrees to undertake.
5.3.2 Timely mine closure and reclamation planning
For new mines, mine closure and reclamation planning, including the associated post mining land-use
planning, shall commence with the initial mine development planning, be included in the environmental
and socio-economic assessment and permitting of the mining project, and be continually refined
and updated thereafter as necessary. For operating mines, mine closure and reclamation planning
and execution shall be undertaken as soon as possible in accordance with the requirements in this
document. Stakeholder engagement shall be undertaken to share knowledge and reach agreement on
mine closure and reclamation objectives, post-mining land use and timing of the works.
5.3.3 Mine design and operation for mine closure and reclamation
Mine planning, design and operations shall be fully integrated with the closure and reclamation process,
and shall consider the closure and reclamation requirements and the post-closure land use. Scheduling
of progressive closure and reclamation shall be included for mine features and domains such as tailings
and waste rock management, mine pits, underground workings, heap leach management facilities,
processing facilities, water management infrastructure, and all forms of supporting and service
infrastruc
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