Cameras and closure

Even after a mine has been shut down, technology continues to play an important role in keeping sites safe and secure

- Vanessa Tyne

In mineral-rich South Africa, mining is an important part of the GDP, employing nearly half a million people. Considering that the sector consists of diamonds, gold, platinum and coal, it is easy to understand why local mining operations invest heavily in security technology to protect workers and prevent intrusion and theft during active mining. But what happens when the mine closes?

Historically, it was common practice to simply abandon a mine when it became no longer profitable. In fact, according to a report from the Auditor General, South Africa alone has an estimated 6,000 abandoned mines. And while this number is still relatively small, when compared to other major wine-producing countries, these do pose significant environmental challenges.

Abandoned mines generate large volumes of acid mine drainage, tailings, waste and other contaminants that pollute local air, soil and water sources. They also pose a personal safety risk for anyone tempted to snoop around in the hopes of finding a forgotten gemstone or gold nugget lying about. Just consider risks like falling down a mine shaft, drowning in an open pit, or getting trapped in a sinkhole.

This has prompted much tougher regulation on post-mine closure rehabilitation, with the International Council on Mining & Metals (ICMM) developing guidelines for responsible mine closure to help companies address the economic, environmental and social aspects thereof.