ISO 21795-1:2021

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 2021
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ii
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
iii
6.8.3 Mine closure and reclamation plan updates . 15
6.8.4 Knowledge and data management . 15
Bibliography .16
iv
Foreword
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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
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v
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
...