The Cooperative Research Centre for Transformations in Mining Economies (CRC TiME) has released its research priorities for the next three years, outlining renewed pathways and studies to improve post-mining transitions.
Across eight key priorities, developed in collaboration with CRC TiME partners, the Research Prioritisation Plan details the steps it will take to further examine post-mining and ensure the sustainability of land use going forward.
CRC TiME chief executive officer Dr Guy Boggs said the research program has been designed to be adventurous and forward-thinking.
“Building from the work currently being undertaken in our 22 foundational projects, our research program will challenge the status quo, question how well current systems work, and force a re-examination of how mining systems, regional planning, regulatory regimes, social groups and professional teams work together and the power balances between them,” Boggs said.
What becomes of a mine after its exhausted is a critical element of responsible resource development.
With less than 5 per cent of closed mines having successfully transitioned through to post-mining land use, CRC TiME has the opportunity to break new ground and develop a new status quo.
The eight priority areas explore touchpoints such as identifying regions in transition, informing regulatory excellence for transitions, delivering post-mining options, enhancing decision systems for positive closure outcomes, the use of technology to ensure a positive transition, and more.
Federal Minister for Resources and Water, Keith Pitt, believes the possibilities are endless for post-mining transformations.
“Mining will always be a major industry and employer in regional areas and I have had the opportunity to visit many of them over the past year to see first-hand the work being done to rehabilitate the land after a mine reaches the end of its life,” he said.
“The resources sector takes its responsibilities very seriously in this area and as a result we’re seeing former mines being used for agriculture and other productive purposes.”