CHAPTER 1 COMPLETING MINE CLOSURE AND RECLAMATION, AND OBTAINING AGENCY APPROVAL: UNPERMITTING A MINE

• Jurisdiction: United States

Mine Closure, Financial Assurance, and Final Reclamation
(Nov 2009)
CHAPTER 1
COMPLETING MINE CLOSURE AND RECLAMATION, AND OBTAINING AGENCY APPROVAL: UNPERMITTING A MINE
Al Trippel
Environmental Resources Management
Midland, Michigan

Al Trippel is a Partner with Environmental Resources Management (ERM) and is based in Midland, Michigan. He earned his M.S. Geology in 1985 from Colorado State University and B.S. Geology in 1981 from Michigan State University. Mr. Trippel has over 25 years of experience in the mining industry and environmental consulting field working with mining, chemical, manufacturing, and government clients in North America and globally. In the mining industry, he managed metallic mineral exploration, development, mining, and environmental issues for future, current, and legacy mine sites. His consulting expertise includes EHS and Sustainability management for mine and industrial site permitting, environmental and social impact assessments, compliance resolution, remediation, closure and reclamation, financial assurance, environmental management systems, sustainability programs, stakeholder relations, government relations, media management, and legislative support.

Unpermitting a Mine

Demonstrating the successful completion of permit requirements

Barrick's Homestake Mine, South Dakota, US

Presented at RMMLF Mine Closure Institute - Denver Colorado

US

Al Trippel, CPG al.trippel@erm.com

Environmental Resources Management

November 2009

Delivering sustainable solutions in a more competitive world

Topics

• What is "unpermitting" a mine?

• Case Study Site History

• Demonstration of Successful Reclamation

• Postclosure Plan and Financial Assurance

• Summary

[Page 1-2]

What is "Unpermitting" a Mine?

• Demonstrating successful completion of mining and reclamation permit obligations

• Managing long term liabilities outside of permit

• Obtaining agency sign off and mining permit cancellation or revision

• Benefits

• A win-win-win for company-government-public reputation and liability management

• Post mining land uses can be realized

• Positive reputation for future permitting anywhere

[Page 1-3]

Topics

• What is "unpermitting" a mine?

• Case Study Site History

• Demonstration of Successful Reclamation

• Postclosure Plan and Financial Assurance

• Summary

Case Study Site History

• Homestake Mine, South Dakota US

• Homestake Mining Company formed in 1877

• Acquired by Barrick Gold Corporation in 2001

[Page 1-4]

• One of the world's largest gold deposits (40 MM oz)

• Discovered in 1876, surface mining until 1998, underground until 2002

• Major contributor to the economy and social fabric of South Dakota and the West

• Added benefits from new state underground engineering & science research laboratory

• Continuing benefits from historic legacy

Homestake Surface Mine with...