Onshore decommissioning is more than just tearing down a mine once it reaches the end of its useful life.
Decommissioning is a meticulously planned process. It involves a wide and complex range of environmental, community, resource management and safety considerations.
This is why operators must think about mine site decommissioning years in advance.
While that might seem like putting the cart before the horse, the complexity and risk factors make it critical to plan ahead.
Here at C.D. Dodd, as a leader in mine site decommissioning and scrap metal recycling in Western Australia, we understand the multifaceted challenges involved.
Understanding the Onshore Decommissioning Process
Onshore decommissioning is the process of carefully dismantling a mine site and restoring the surrounding environment.
As mines become depleted or economic factors shift, decommissioning ensures the land is left in a stable and, ideally, reusable condition.
That means:
- Retiring operational equipment
- Dismantling industrial facilities
- Recycling scrap metal
- Removing hazardous matter such as tailings and waste
- Instigating plans to rehabilitate the land
Most onshore mine site decommissioning projects are multi-year, multi-stakeholder undertakings.
Each one plays out differently due to massive variations in environment, location, structures, community needs, hazards and many other factors.
However, stepping back, the onshore decommissioning process overall can be viewed in three stages:
- Planning starts at least three years before the end of the mine’s productive life.
- Execution ramps up, structures come down, hazardous materials are contained and removed, and recyclable materials like scrap metal are processed.
- Post-decommissioning involves decades of site rehabilitation, environmental restoration and ongoing monitoring.
It’s worth noting that every phase requires a decommissioning plan. That includes the early stages from exploration and construction through to production and all peripheral infrastructure (transportation, power and processing facilities).
Regulatory and Legal Frameworks
Four separate but overlapping pieces of legislation lay down the law on mine site decommissioning:
- Mining Act 1978.
- Environmental Protection Act 1986.
- Mines Safety and Inspection Act 1994.
- Mines Safety and Inspection Regulations 1995.
Many of the details have evolved over time. New legislation has also added to the puzzle over the years, including:
- Native Title Act 1993 (Cth).
- Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DEMIRS) policy and guidelines released in 2024.
As a result, we often hear from clients and industry partners that the regulatory framework surrounding onshore decommissioning is a black box.
This is why it’s vitally important for operators and exploration companies to consult an onshore decommissioning expert early in the piece.
Our experience helps our clients navigate the approval process and make confident decisions.
Environmental Approvals
All mining activity in WA is subject to approval from the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). Before approving a project, the EPA will conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
An EIA follows the objectives and principles in the Environmental Protection Act 1986. It is also open to public scrutiny and government feedback, meaning any decommissioning plans must follow best practices and benefit the environment.
Departmental Sign-Off
DEMIRS issues mining and exploration permits. New guidelines released in April 2024 outline the requirements for end-of-mine-life planning, including decommissioning and site rehabilitation.
Social Responsibilities
Community engagement and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) may not be legal requirements, but they are no less important.
Onshore decommissioning presents opportunities for mine operators to leave a positive legacy:
- Local employment and economic opportunities
- Environmental best practices
- Consultation on rehabilitation strategies and future land use
There may also be job losses and decreased local investment as an operation winds down.
Managing this transition requires proactive community engagement and effective communication.
Technological Innovations and Best Practices in Onshore Decommissioning
We expect that technology will continue to improve efficiency, safety and environmental outcomes this decade. Progress is already bounding ahead.
- Remote-controlled robots and autonomous vehicles reduce workers’ exposure to risk when dismantling structures, handling hazardous materials, and working in confined spaces.
- Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology are valuable tools for site surveys, 3D mapping and monitoring decommissioning progress.
- Advanced recycling processes and equipment enable us to capture more value from disused equipment and structures, including recycling valuable metals, vehicle batteries and structural steel.
- Data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) are used to optimise decommissioning processes, predict potential hazards, and develop customised demolition strategies that are more efficient and cost-effective.
It’s exciting to see the onshore decommissioning landscape evolving. At the same time, we’re cautious about over-relying on technology and committed to integrating safe, sustainable and stress-tested solutions.
We see technology as a partner in onshore mine site decommissioning, not a replacement for human expertise.
So, as technology advances, the current ‘best practices’ for safe and efficient decommissioning need to adapt.
- A comprehensive decommissioning plan, developed with input from all stakeholders, should consider environmental factors, safety protocols, waste management strategies and community engagement initiatives.
- Worker safety is paramount, even with autonomous vehicles in use. We maintain training in safe work practices, hazardous materials handling and emergency response procedures.
- Sustainable waste management involves sorting, recycling, and repurposing useful materials, as well as integrating advancements in recycling technology to minimise environmental impact.
- Implementing dust suppression techniques and erosion control measures helps protect air and water quality during demolition activities. AI models can help to predict how decommissioning activity will affect the environment so we can be proactive.
What’s Next? The Future of Onshore Mine Site Decommissioning in WA
Mine site decommissioning is an evolving challenge for Western Australia. There are thousands of sites approaching the end of their useful life, and more already out of operation.
Thankfully, we’re up to the challenge. The future of onshore decommissioning is brimming with innovation and focused on sustainability.
Here are our predictions for the next 10-15 years:
- Circular economy: Dismantled materials like steel and concrete will increasingly be reclaimed and reused, reducing demand for virgin resources.
- Advanced automation: Increased use of robots and autonomous vehicles will make demolition safer and more precise.
- Data-driven decommissioning: Real-time data collection and AI will optimise planning, decision-making and safety.
- Community engagement: CSR will focus on empowering communities, exploring site repurposing and creating local employment opportunities.
- Policy and regulation: Evolving regulations could introduce stricter environmental standards and potential incentives for sustainable practices.
We’re committed to staying ahead of the curve. We continuously invest in the latest technologies, refine our best practices, and prioritise environmental and social responsibility in every project.
Australia’s Onshore Decommissioning and Mine Site Clean-Up Partner
At C.D. Dodd, we offer a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of each decommissioning project:
- Mine site decommissioning
- Safety management planning
- Safe scrap metal recycling
- Vehicle battery recycling
- Hazardous material removal
- Site clean-up and rehabilitation
As we look to the future, our focus remains on delivering sustainable, efficient, and compliant decommissioning solutions that benefit our clients and the environment.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your decommissioning needs.