Through safe and responsible asset closure, we are working to deliver shared benefits for host communities, employees and investors; positive ESG outcomes; and innovative solutions that minimise long-term liabilities.

We do this in partnership with our stakeholders, embedding closure considerations throughout the lifespan of our assets – in the way we design, build, run, close and transition them.

As temporary stewards of the land where we operate, we partner with our stakeholders to develop a shared vision for the future of the lands and host communities. Balancing environmental, financial and social considerations, we look for opportunities associated with progressive closure, remediation and repurposing, and, where appropriate, long-term monitoring and maintenance.

Where we operate

Our Closure teams manage more than 90 sites around the world.

Argyle, the Kimberley, Western Australia

Argyle

Ceasing mining in 2020, Argyle was one of the world’s largest producers of diamonds and the largest supplier of natural coloured diamonds
Aerial view of ERA site showing mining pit, roads, forest, lake, vehicles, offices and machineries

Energy Resources of Australia Ltd

Energy Resources of Australia Ltd is one of Australia’s largest producers of uranium
Gove aerial shot

Gove

Our Gove site in Australia’s Northern Territory has been supplying the global aluminium industry with bauxite for more than 50 years
Diavik from the air

Diavik

About 200 kilometres south of the Arctic Circle sit some of the world’s most sought-after diamonds
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Closing our assets responsibly

We work closely with Indigenous Peoples, host communities, local businesses and governments to partner towards a shared vision for post mining land use.

As operations end, our work continues. We manage demolition, rehabilitation, monitoring and maintenance, and where possible, steward it through to its next use.

We also manage a number of historic sites, known as legacy sites. We didn’t operate at all of these sites – we acquired some through corporate acquisitions after they were closed. Where required, we rehabilitate these sites and, where and when we can, transfer them to local authorities or third parties for future land use.

We apply the same health, safety and environmental rigour at closure sites as we do during operations, guided by our internal standards and frameworks, and aligned with global practice. This includes implementation of the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM) at applicable facilities, ensuring safe management of tailings throughout and beyond the operating life of an asset.

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Join our team

Our people are our greatest assets.

From engineers and scientists to commercial and community engagement specialists, our teams work together to remain at the forefront of best practice in our industry.

Closure stories

Roney, our Senior Manager of Rio Tinto Closure posing for camera wearing a safety hat and jacket in the United States

Building legacies beyond landscapes

Listening is key to finding the right solution to rehabilitate responsibly
Fernanda, standing against a dark wall featuring illuminated letters arranged in a scattered pattern.

Managing closed mines for the long haul

Tailings, the waste materials from extracting minerals, often require long-term care, even after the mine they’re from has closed.
Lucy, our Communities and Social Performance Specialist standing in front of indoor plant setting.

Connecting culture with closure

Indigenous Peoples’ insight is shaping our approach to community engagement in mine closure

Related content

Four people standing close together on a sandy beach at sunset, facing the camera, with warm light behind them and the ocean and shoreline in the background.

Communities

We know our operations can have far-reaching impacts on society
Woman weaving colourful threads, Peru

Cultural heritage

Cultural heritage is the collective social embodiment of a community, often inherited through tradition or with some historical association.
Workers from Biologic and Rio Tinto conducting environmental survey at Angelo River

Land

We aim to thoughtfully steward the land on which we operate