Introduction and assessment of a socio-economic mine closure framework

This paper introduces and assesses the Socio-Economic Mine Closure Framework. The framework assessment included an online survey distributed to 151 experts, and a field investigation, conducted in Mongolia, in which the local community was invited to participate. A key objective of the case-study was to identify and assess the community investment initiatives implemented by a mining company. The fieldwork also aimed to assess the perceptions of local residents about the success of these initiatives. The study indicates that it would be relevant, timely and appropriate for the mining industry to adopt the proposed framework. The case-study analysis found that several initiatives were implemented and supported by the company, but that the company's relationship to local governments was deemed to be too close and as such, was found to overshadow many of its initiatives. This situation resulted in a lack of awareness on the part of local residents regarding the community investments made by the company. Some of the programs available to the community, such as the microcredit program, would need to be reviewed because of a lack of transparency and limited accessibility. Furthermore, local residents expect a greater focus on the development of small businesses and job creation. The engagement and participation of local residents is limited, and local residents want to have a say in the decisions that affect the community.