Mine Closure Planning as an Engineering System: Integrating Geotechnical, Environmental, and Socio-Technical Considerations

Mine closure has traditionally been treated as a terminal activity conducted at the end of a mine’s productive life. However, increasing regulatory, environmental, and social pressures demand that closure planning be integrated into the mine design process from the earliest stages. This paper presents a conceptual engineering framework that treats mine closure as a dynamic system rather than a final remedial task. The study discusses geotechnical stability, long-term environmental control, landform design, and socio-technical considerations within a unified planning approach. The paper highlights current gaps in mine closure practices and proposes directions for future research in sustainable mining engineering.