New Perspectives on Mine Closure

Dr. Jocelyn Fraser

Lecturer and Senior Researcher, Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering, UBC

A lecturer and senior researcher at the University of British Columbia’s Institute of Mining Engineering, Jocelyn Fraser’s focus is on social risk and social responsibility in the global mining sector. Her academic interests are complemented by 20 years of professional experience working with extractive companies to enhance stakeholder engagement and support sustainable value creation.

Dr. Fraser leads a working group on community engagement for the Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (CIM) and sits on the Mining Association of Canada’s Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) Communities of Interest Panel representing the international development perspective. She is a member of the International Association of Public Participation and the American Academy of Management. In 2016, she was recognized as one of UBC’s Public Scholars.

Dr. Andre Xavier

Honorary Professor, Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering, UBC

Dr. André Xavier works in the mining sector with a focus on economic development, mine closure, artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM), and environmental governance. He also has experience in community-led socioenvironmental initiatives. Dr. Xavier is also an honorary professor at the Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering at the University of British Columbia (UBC). He holds a bachelor's and master's degree in business administration and a Ph.D. in Mining Engineering from UBC. Currently, he serves as a Senior Manager for Natural Resources Management and Sustainable Development with Catalyste+, a reputable Canadian NGO with over 50 years of experience in delivering development projects that promote locally-driven sustainable solutions to enhance governance and drive economic growth. Dr. Xavier has worked with a variety of clients, including the private sector and renowned organizations such as the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the World Bank Group, and the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining and Sustainable Development (IGF).

Mine closure is an issue of growing importance for mining companies, the communities that host operations, Indigenous peoples, and governments with regulatory oversight of closure planning. In the coming years, the world’s top miners are expected to spend over $50 billion (USD) closing mines and managing legacy sites. For many stakeholders and rightsholders, there is a growing expectation that successful closure plans will go beyond remediation and short-term technical solutions to consider the complex socio-economic aspects of closure. Best practice planning is now expected to include measures that support a just transition for workers, communities, and governments as the jobs, taxes, royalties, and philanthropic investments associated with producing mines diminish and then disappear.

In this course, we will examine the social and environmental dimensions of mine closure. We will take guidance from best practice frameworks for closure, examine applied cases to analyze issues of interest, and hear from experts working in the field.

Course Structure

This course will be hosted online over six weeks and will be comprised of readings, videos, small group work, assignments, and two mandatory live 90-minute sessions. The modules will be hosted on the UBC Canvas website and will be led by the UBC BRIMM team.

For more information, please visit the BRIMM111 Course website or contact Clara Araujo, Program Manager, UBC BRIMM, at [email protected].

Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, the participants will be able to:

• Understand key closure concepts, compliance requirements, guiding principles, and industry best practice.
• Build knowledge and skills to ask the right questions to address current and future challenges related to closure.
• Consider alternative and transformational approaches to closure.
• Integrate environmental, social, and economic considerations into mine closure plans.
• Analyze issues of materiality related to mine closure.
• Apply mine closure practices in complex contexts.
• Contribute towards creating a comprehensive mine closure plan that supports a just transition for local stakeholders and rightsholders.

Modules

• Module 1A: Introduction and Overview
• Module 1B: The Way It Was/Times They Are A Changing.
• Module 2A: Guidelines, Frameworks and Protocols
• Module 2B: Reimagining Closure
• Module 3: Who Decides? LIVE CLASS
• Module 4: Sustainable Livelihoods
• Module 5:  Public Hearing
• Module 6:  Financial Considerations

Terms and Conditions

Engineers and Geoscientists BC collects personal information (including the personal information you provide on this form and the personal information that is generated in connection with your registration for and involvement in New Perspectives on Mine Closure, pursuant to British Columbia’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act) for the purpose of facilitating your registration and involvement in New Perspectives on Mine Closure. Questions about Engineers and Geoscientists BC’s collection of personal information in relation to this event can be directed to Mark Rigolo, Director, Programs and Continuing Education, at [email protected]. Engineers and Geoscientists BC will disclose the personal information collected as described above to the Bradshaw Research Initiative for Minerals and Mining (BRIMM) to facilitate your participation in the course.