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A Quantitative Sustainability Assessment for Mine Closure and Repurposing Alternatives in Colorado, USA

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  • Cansu Perdeli Demirkan

    (Mining Engineering Department, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO 80401, USA)

  • Nicole M. Smith

    (Mining Engineering Department, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO 80401, USA)

  • Sebnem Duzgun

    (Mining Engineering Department, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO 80401, USA)

Abstract

Responsible mine closure and repurposing are key to contributing to sustainable development by ensuring successful environmental rehabilitation and reducing socioeconomic risks. However, mine closure has primarily focused on remediation and rehabilitation of mined lands with limited consideration of stakeholder perspectives and the broader social, economic, and cultural impacts of closure. In this paper, we use stakeholder input to evaluate and compare three different repurposing alternatives for the tailings dam area of a mine in the state of Colorado, USA, which is expected to close in the next twenty years. By using multi-attribute utility theory (MAUT), we determine which alternative better reflects stakeholder preferences and results in the most economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable outcome. Our results show that although stakeholder groups have different ideas about what constitutes sustainable development in the context of mine closure and repurposing, it is possible to identify to what extent different scenarios can address these perspectives. We argue that integrating stakeholder views into mine closure design and repurposing can lead to more responsible and sustainable mine closure that is unique to a particular setting and stakeholder needs, and we provide a methodology that mining companies may use to understand stakeholder priorities and preferences.

Suggested Citation

  • Cansu Perdeli Demirkan & Nicole M. Smith & Sebnem Duzgun, 2022. "A Quantitative Sustainability Assessment for Mine Closure and Repurposing Alternatives in Colorado, USA," Resources, MDPI, vol. 11(7), pages 1-31, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jresou:v:11:y:2022:i:7:p:66-:d:862715
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bainton, Nicholas & Holcombe, Sarah, 2018. "A critical review of the social aspects of mine closure," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 59(C), pages 468-478.
    2. Sinan Erzurumlu, S. & Erzurumlu, Yaman O., 2015. "Sustainable mining development with community using design thinking and multi-criteria decision analysis," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 46(P1), pages 6-14.
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    Cited by:

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    2. Christina G. Siontorou, 2023. "Fair Development Transition of Lignite Areas: Key Challenges and Sustainability Prospects," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(16), pages 1-14, August.
    3. Measham, Thomas & Walker, Jim & Haslam McKenzie, Fiona & Kirby, Jason & Williams, Caroline & D'Urso, Jillian & Littleboy, Anna & Samper, Agnes & Rey, Rebecca & Maybee, Bryan & Brereton, David & Boggs,, 2024. "Beyond closure: A literature review and research agenda for post-mining transitions," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 90(C).

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