Development of a new definition for mining legacy

[Image: Oil palms on gold mine tailings, Ghana. Credit P.Whitbread-Abrutat]

Earlier this year, TDi Sustainability was asked by Mining 2030 to work on a new definition of mining legacy, to support companies and investors in achieving positive legacies in mining operations. This work is part of Mining 2030’s vision to enable a socially and environmentally responsible mining sector by 2030.  

This question of what to do with mining developments once the mineral reserve has been exhausted, and who should take responsibility for mitigating the negative impacts of mining has been one of the greatest challenges for an industry receiving ever-increasing scrutiny in light of debates around critical minerals and their role in the clean energy transition. 

There is currently no agreed definition of legacy, with existing concepts often framing legacy in negative terms, and with a focus on environmental remediation. The TDi team’s brief was to create a holistic definition, taking into account social and economic impacts, and encompassing historic legacies, the planning and responsible closure of mines, and setting positive future legacies for the surrounding communities and the environment.  

The draft definition developed by TDi considers multiple dimensions of mining legacy, including: 

• Temporal aspects that extend beyond mine closure to consider enduring impacts; 

• Spatial considerations that look beyond the mine site to communities, landscapes, and supply chains; 

• Risk perspectives encompassing environmental, economic, social, human rights, and cultural aspects; 

• Responsibility and governance frameworks for legacy management and transition. 

The definition also outlines proposed success factors for positive legacy planning that investors can support and advance through engagement with investee companies to promote a more socially and environmentally responsible mining sector by 2030. 

Consultation process and further information 

The new draft definition for legacy is now out for consultation, and the Mining 2030 team would like to receive as much feedback on the consultation documents as possible before the consultation deadline of 26 August. 

• You can read the consultation document and view the proposed workplan here under workstream 6. There’s also more information in the ‘Mining Legacy Definition’ report. 

• TDi Sustainability and the Mining 2030 team recently held a webinar to provide context and background to the consultation – watch the webinar here. 

• Please provide your feedback through the survey here.