171 Global demand for mineral resources continues to grow, with forecasts suggesting pressure both on expanding mining in existing operations and the development of new mines. At the same time, many mines are maturing, reaching a point where the resource has been exploited and it is uneconomic for mining to continue while asset acquisitions often include legacy assets. Increasing expectations are being placed on mines to leave a positive legacy, but growing closure related OpEx costs, asset retirement obligations, and total closure liability estimates are also placing increasing pressure on the sector. Creating pathways enabling closure and relinquishment of assets and transition of mining assets is a growing priority. At the same time, governments, communities and other sectors are increasingly recognizing the value of repurposing or reusing mining related infrastructure, waste and land for future use. Addressing this nexus by creating an environment that optimizes value generation through mine closure and post mine transitions, while managing residual risk, is a key priority for stakeholders for both mining and post-mine stakeholders. Through innovation across these four areas, the sector can de-risk mine closure, increase confidence in positive legacy development and open new value paths for governments and communities. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The authors would like to acknowledge the many people who have contributed through participation in CRC TiME and AusIMM forums and research to the work underpinning this paper. We acknowledge the support of CRC TiME and AusIMM partners, and funding from by the Australian Government Department of Industry, Science and Resources for the Cooperative Research Centre for Transformations in Mining Economies. REFERENCES AusIMM, (2025a). Report: AusIMM and CRC TiME Post-Mining Land Use Policy Forum. AusIMM, Melbourne. AusIMM (2025b). Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) Capability across Queensland’s Critical Minerals Industry. AusIMM, Melbourne. Beer, A, Haslam-McKenzie, F, Weller, S, Davies, A, Cote, C, Ziemski, M, Holmes, K and Keenan, J (2021). Post-mining land uses – a literature review. CRC TiME, Perth.
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