1085 methodologies for identifying and assessing viable options for post-mining land use, repurposing and ongoing governance. 2. A COMPLEX CHALLENGE As global decarbonization accelerates, increased demand for Australia’s critical minerals presents enormous economic opportunity. At the same time, the scale and speed of likely development could present social, economic, environmental and governance challenges. Our research shows that unless these challenges are managed well, they will accumulate over mine life. A driving factor is that mine closure is usually seen as a proponent-led responsibility, focused largely on return of the site to prior state. This limits dialogue and engagement on what is possible – and how risks, opportunities and impacts are understood and managed. This narrow focus also does not recognize interconnected benefits, effects and impacts over mine life, creating uncertainty for all – including industry. Our research also shows that coordinated, strategic and ongoing planning and action at a regional scale is more likely to support improved long-term outcomes (Measham et al. 2024). Effects are often cumulative and interconnected, especially when more than one mine operates in a region, meaning that a whole-of-community response is required. While recognition of cumulative environmental effects has advanced, there also needs to be a stronger focus on understanding and managing cumulative cultural, social and economic effects over the mine life. Recognizing this, research through CRC TiME has led to development of a Regional Cumulative Effects and Management Framework, and associated process roadmap, assessment of governance models that may be suitable for different regions, case studies and key questions to guide planning. Research through CRC TiME has also resulted in an Indigenous-RCEAM Framework. It is especially important given the scale of the Indigenous Estate in Australia. Planning for an eventual post-mine social and economic transition should begin as early as possible – ideally before development of a new mine or basin – to leverage and capitalize on mining-related economic opportunities as they occur. This is especially important as decisions and investments made before development and during operations – by all stakeholders – affect what is possible after mining ends. Another development through CRC TiME was a collaborative planning process undertaken in the Latrobe Valley – a region preparing for the completion of its intergenerational coal industry over coming decades. Lessons from this process, which led to a set of preferred land uses and principles, for almost 10,000 hectares of land that may become available for re-use. Unlocking new commercial opportunities from mine wastes and closure should be a priority in mining jurisdictions, with a focus on quantifying and identifying new ways of extracting economic value from these wastes, repurposing of mined land and infrastructure for renewable energy generation, tourism and biodiversity conservation initiatives and implementation of rehabilitation activities. The potential is huge - particularly for local and Indigenous communities and businesses with the right support and settings. 3. CREATING A SUPPORTIVE REGULATORY AND POLICY ENVIRONMENT Governments can reinforce the importance of post-mining transitions being considered early, strategically and collaboratively as mines mature towards closure and critical minerals development accelerates to leverage economic opportunities for long-term community and regional economic resilience, including by Indigenous communities. In particular, a contemporary and innovative feature of post-mining land use (‘PMLU’) planning is the repurposing of sites such as mine-voids to alternative uses such as pumped hydro, irrigated agriculture, renewable energy, or recreation and tourism. Repurposing may assist to facilitate the transition of a region’s economy post-mining and contribute to rehabilitation for sites that cannot be returned to the pre-mining land use. However, emerging work highlights the need to address the disconnect between mining regulatory frameworks and policy mechanisms underpinning post mining land uses.
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