Mining is just one short chapter in the long story of the lands we operate on.

Managing our operations responsibly throughout their lifespan – including after mining ceases – is a core part of how we work.

Some we’ve planned to close responsibly since we began operations, some are in the process of transitioning from mining or processing to closure, and others we inherited long after mining ended there.

Regardless of how we acquire closed mines, we’re committed to managing them safely and responsibly.

 

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
Landscape view of Cascade Mountains

From copper to conservation

Overcoming closure challenges at Holden, a former copper mine
Nestled in the Tarascon-sur-Ariège township of Sabart in south-west France lies an 11th century chapel, which represents so much more than its history.

Place of pilgrimage preserved

Nestled in the Tarascon-sur-Ariège township of Sabart in south-west France lies an 11th century chapel, which represents so much more than its history.
Daybreak Community in South Jordan, Utah

The rise of daybreak

Old mines often symbolise the end of a chapter. But for Salt Lake Valley it became the beginning of a whole new story.
Sumatran rhino

Saving a species

How a former gold mine became a refuge for the endangered Sumatran rhino
Mount Rosser

The slow journey

From red mud to green plants, Mount Rosser has been revitalised into a thriving ecosystem
Death Valley in North America

From borax to beauty

Once a desolate expanse, synonymous with the 20 Mule Team for hauling borax, Death Valley is now a treasured national park, attracting millions of visitors every year.
Flowers at Argyle

Seeding from the skies

Using drones to spread native seeds as we rehabilitate Argyle diamond mine
Rio Tinto Gove mine operations

Respecting land, restoring opportunity

Partnering with communities to plan Gove’s next chapter after mine closure
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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.

Becka is a subject matter expert on all things Closure. She helps us navigate all the challenges we face at a site when mining stops, so we can deliver the best possible outcomes for the environments we work in, and our host communities.

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