As important as planning the extraction and use of mineral assets, is planning the end of mining operations. First of all, it is necessary to understand that during the planning of the mine, the stages from opening, development, closure and including some measures that are considered mitigating are established.
Thus, the planning of a mine closure is an increasingly present subject in discussions in academia, regulatory bodies and companies in the mining industry.
By operating and closing a mine in compliance with best practices, the company demonstrates the ability to respond appropriately to the demands of environmental protection and social responsibility while contributing to sustainability.
An adequate closure of the mine, therefore, positively impacts society, directly influencing the people and the environment in which the mine is inserted. In the examples below, we have selected three examples of successful mine closures:
Mangabeiras Park: an example in the capital of Minas Gerais
Located in Belo Horizonte, in Serra do Curral, which is now considered a cultural heritage of Belo Horizonte, Parque das Mangabeiras was inaugurated in 1966 in order to preserve Serra do Curral and the existing forest area and to create a new recreational space for the city.
In the 60s, the area was explored by the company Ferro Belo Horizonte S/A, Ferrobel, for the exploration of iron ore. Only in 1979 Ferrobel was deactivated, on site it is still possible to see one of the crushers used at the time, and . Currently, the Park has activities such as trails, viewpoints and even an Environmental Education Center (CEAM).
Paulo Leminski Quarry: Case in Curitiba
The Paulo Leminski Quarry is a place for outdoor concerts, located in the city of Curitiba, it was inaugurated in 1990. The space has an area of just over 100 thousand square meters, considered the largest fixed open-air stage in Latin America. Previously, the site housed a municipal quarry and an asphalt plant.
The aspect that draws the attention of those who frequent the place are the walls with more than 30 meters of rock height. The place is part of Parque das Pedreiras, where the Wire Opera House is also located, a theater in the city known for its unique architecture: steel tubes and metal structure referring to a large but delicate wire construction.
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 eighteenth century, so it played a key role in the Brazilian Gold Cycle, from which more than 35 tons of gold have already been extracted. The first mining company called Sociedade Mineralógica de Passagem was inaugurated in Brazil by Baron de Von Eschwege, thanks to the discovery of the mine.
In 1976 the Minas da Passagem Company acquired the complex and after that in 1979 opened the Fundão Mine for visitation, remaining until today. During the tour, visitors are transported on a trolley on a route of 315 meters and reaching a depth of 120 meters.
Mining is an essential activity with great environmental and social impact. When correct practices are employed and efficient closure planning is done, the positive consequences for society are remarkable.
Bonus Case
Finally, visit the Zeche Zollverein mine, the old coal mine in Germany that went through two major wars and is now a reference for Mine Closure in the world, housing museums, event space and much more.
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