What is ISO 21795‑2 about?
ISO 217952 is the second part of the multi-series of International Standard on mine closure and reclamation planning. ISO 21795‑2 provides guidance related to the necessary mine closure and reclamation planning activities for new and operating mines. Recommendations are provided on:
- Closure and reclamation of a mine site;
- Land reclamation and water management;
- Stakeholder engagement;
- Decision and analysis tools.
The following aspects of closure and reclamation are not addressed in ISO 21795‑2:
- Infrastructure such as rail lines, ports, off-site ore loaders, power stations, etc. That is associated with the mine operation, but which are not located at the mine site;
- Detailed survey, testing or monitoring methods, detailed engineering procedures, detailed product requirements, or detailed construction and operational procedures; occupational health and safety management related to closure and reclamation, construction and exploration activities;
- Relinquishment of a closed and reclaimed mine site, or portions thereof, to a party (governmental or private entity) not related to the mine operator;
- Specific requirements for dealing with the radiological aspects of mine closure and reclamation, such as those that occur at uranium mining and processing facilities and other mines at which naturally occurring radioactive materials are present; however, the other aspects associated with closure and reclamation of these mines are included in this document;
- Closure and reclamation of abandoned mines
Who is ISO 21795‑2 for?
ISO 21795‑2 on mine closure and reclamation planning is relevant to:
- Mine planners and designers
- Mine operators and regulators
- Environmental assessors
- Communities that are protecting the environment
- Financial stakeholders
- Regulatory authorities
- Geological researchers and laboratories
Why should you use ISO 21795‑2 ?
Mine closure is the time when the extracting activities of a mine have stopped, and final decommissioning and mine reclamation are being completed.
ISO 21795‑2 provides guidance 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 can be beneficial to you as it:
- 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 activities with operations
- Allows companies to better provision for and schedule closure and reclamation funding
As a buyer of ISO 21795‑2, you will be able to minimize any environmental, health, safety, and economic concerns that may arise in the process of mine closures.
