Thinking Differently for a New Sustainable Post Mining Land Use Future

Our mining sector is at a pivotal crossroads in how we find and assess new value of innovative land use options for mining impacted land, and communities.

A recent perceptions survey undertaken by enviroMETS prior to our Lighthouse Project Two – Business Case Method Development has highlighted the urgency for a rethink towards sustainable practices, evolving our regulatory frameworks and industry practices, and the application of circular economy principles.

We sought input from invited industry stakeholders on various aspects of post-mining land use with a view to develop a comparable business case method. The responses to five questions highlighted key themes and offered insights into where we need to ‘think differently’ about the industry's path toward a more sustainable future.

Answers to questions were aggregated into themes using AI (ChatGPT) and the results are shown below (with numbers of mentions in (#) together with a summary of the response. Complete listing of responses is available on our website here.

Question 1: Assessing Our Post-Mining Efforts

The first question asked respondents on their perception of the effectiveness of our efforts in Queensland to assess and shift to new land use after mining. The responses painted a stark picture.

• Majority of respondents view current efforts as 'Ineffective, barely used.' (14), or ‘challenging, but do-able (10), and just (4) rating “adequate for a minority of stakeholders".
• No (0) responses indicated ‘effectiveness’ nor ‘leadership’ in land use transitions.

This indicates a significant level of dissatisfaction and concern among respondents about the current state of these efforts, signalling an urgent demand for innovation and reform. For an improvement in the industry's ability to assess and transform the land into new economic purposes after mining.

Question 2: Identifying Flaws in the Transformation Process

Responses to the second question asked for the “two main flaws” in the current process for transitioning to new land use options after mining. Regulatory and permitting issues were prominent in the feedback, with respondents pointing out complexities and inflexibilities in this domain.

• Regulatory challenges (9)
• Stakeholder engagement & collaboration (8)
• Resource and Profit Focus (5)
• Land Use Limitations (5)
• Lack of Incentives & Investment (3)
• Development Approval (1)

The responses underscore the necessity of adopting a holistic approach that combines socio-economic and environmental factors, recognizing that many regional communities depend on these mines for their livelihoods. Responses also identified several challenges within the current transition process, including the complexities and inflexibilities to address.

The overarching theme suggests that stakeholders are actively seeking an integrated and more sustainable approach to post-mining land use, acknowledging the significant impact on regional communities.

Question 3: Improvements in Identifying Land Use Options

The third question addressed the improvements needed on how we identify and evaluate land use options. The responses advocated the need for change and innovation. Seeking an integrated approach that combines the interests of various stakeholders, signalling a departure from the mining sector's conventional 'siloed' approach.

• Community and Stakeholder Engagement (6)
• Diverse Land Use Options (6)
• Regulatory and Policy Enhancements (6)
• Transparency and Planning Integration (5)
• Economic and Financial Aspects (4)
• Environmental Considerations (3)
• Government Authority and Collaboration (3)

This approach reflects a growing awareness of the importance of sustainable land use in Queensland, which is home to thousands of abandoned mine sites, mines coming to the end of their extractive phase, and numerous regional mining communities. Quantifying the value of potential land-use options is of paramount importance.

The message is clear: a new, holistic, and inclusive approach is needed to identify and evaluate land use options. This approach is not only essential for sustainable mining practices but also for the well-being of local communities and the environment.

Question 4: Responsibilities of Mine Owners

In question four, respondents were asked about the responsibilities of mine owners in transitioning to new land uses when applying circular economy principles. The responses offered an array of perspectives, highlighting the multifaceted role of mine owners in this transition.

• Environmental and Sustainable Practices (7)
• Regulatory and Compliance Obligations (7)
• Community and Stakeholder Engagement (6)
• Infrastructure, Resource and Waste Management (4)
• Economic Balance (3)
• Responsibility for Hazards and Closure (3)

Growing expectations for mine owners to focus on socio-economic impact, not just environmental concerns. Some had doubts about mine owners taking responsibility without regulatory enforcement. There was a consensus that mine owners should play a central role in maximizing the efficient use of resources by repurposing infrastructure and to reclassify ‘waste’ products as ‘assets’ to support alternative land uses. This approach aligns with the principles of the circular economy, emphasizing resource efficiency and sustainability.

The underlying theme is that mine owners have a central role in transitioning to new land uses, with other stakeholders looking for greater transparency, accountability, and a proactive stance in post mining land use transformation.

Question 5: Creating a Quantifiable Business Case

In the final question, respondents shared their perspectives on the most important steps to create a repeatable, comparable, and quantifiable business case method for evaluating potential land-use options by mid-2024. Their responses highlighted several critical areas of focus, reflecting the industry's commitment to sustainable and innovative practices.

• Establish an agreed methodology and evaluation process (9)
• Continue collaboration and engagement (7)
• Develop new options for regulators to consider in the future (5)
• Communication and Promotion (3)

There was a clear call for all stakeholder groups to enthusiastically support a prototype business case method. Collaboration and stakeholder engagement outside of the mining sector were also emphasized, recognizing the need to involve a broader range of expertise and perspectives.

The importance of pilot testing, transparency in business case assumptions, and the utilization of data to tell a compelling story was evident. Additionally, regulatory alignment was highlighted as essential, with calls for a structured and comprehensive methodology. The overarching theme is a push for a holistic, inclusive, and proactive approach to creating a quantifiable business case method.

Charting the Course Forward in Queensland

In enviroMETS reflection of the survey responses, we see a continuation of the same challenges and priorities revealed in our initial Lighthouse Projects workshop in February. It’s clear that the Queensland mining industry is at a pivotal juncture and our initiatives are shining valuable light on both the issues and the potential solutions.

The conventional approaches to post-mining land use, regulatory frameworks, and stakeholder engagement are being questioned. Stakeholders, including industry experts, policymakers, and environmental advocates, are demanding a more holistic, sustainable, and innovative approach.

The prevailing sentiment suggests that the status quo is inadequate, especially in evaluating and transitioning to new land uses after mining. The industry appears to recognize the need for change, but the path forward is not without its challenges. However, the responses also highlight a growing momentum toward sustainable practices and a holistic approach across the mining sector participants.

One key theme that permeates the responses is the call for a more holistic approach to post-mining land use. We must move beyond the traditional siloed approach, towards collaborative innovation ecosystems that recognise the value of integrating environmental, social, and economic aspects.

An industry that embraces the need for sustainable economic transformation also acknowledges the importance of integrating both environmental and socio-economic considerations. The sector is increasingly looking beyond its boundaries to engage with expertise from other industry sectors.

We are actively seeking new ways to maximize the efficient use of resources, repurpose infrastructure, and engage with stakeholders to create positive legacies.

As the mining industry in Queensland navigates the path toward a more sustainable future, it will need to heed the voices of stakeholders and actively embrace change. While the challenges are significant, the opportunities for innovation and positive environmental and socio-economic impact are equally vast.

By mid-2024, we could be on a new trajectory, one that is marked by greater collaboration, a holistic approach, and a proactive stance on post-mining land use. It is a pivotal moment for an industry that has long been a cornerstone of the Queensland economy, and the direction it takes will have far-reaching consequences not only for the sector, but also for the state as a whole.

Lighthouse Project Two: Business Case Method

The results of this survey confirmed that LHP2 is the natural step, a building block from LHP1: Post-Mining Land-use - Regulatory and Industry Practices that is reporting its findings late November.

LHP2: Business Case Method Development is designed to assist potential investors and governmental decision-makers identify a range of “net-best value” options for formerly mined land that consider not just the economic viability of proposed ventures, but also the societal and environmental benefits as well.?

enviroMETS will ensure stakeholders and contributors stay connected through this next stage, and into LHP3: Regional Pilot Sites.