Mine Earth was commissioned to develop a strategy for the effective engagement of relevant stakeholders in closure planning for a Western Australian mining project. The project is scheduled to close in 2026 and a detailed mine closure plan will be submitted in 2024.

Whilst engagement with external stakeholders has been ongoing for many years, senior management at the project identified the need to reinvigorate the engagement process to enhance long-term closure outcomes.

Effective stakeholder engagement is especially important for the project because the closure outcomes for two domains, representing approximately 36% of the total closure cost, are entirely dependent on the needs of stakeholders and the outcomes of engagement. Effective engagement of the active Traditional Owner and Indigenous Ranger groups for the project is also a critical component, as these groups will play an important role in rehabilitation planning, execution and long-term monitoring and management of the closed mine.

To develop the stakeholder engagement strategy, Mine Earth undertook a site visit to host a collaborative workshop with relevant internal stakeholders to discuss and agree upon:

• Who the key stakeholders are in relation to closure.
• What the key area of interest for each stakeholder group is likely to be.
• A road map for engagement of each stakeholder group for the periods;
• 2022-2024 during the development of the detailed MCP.
• 2024-2026 from detailed MCP submission until closure.
• Define the engagement method for each group.

A wide range of internal and external stakeholders were identified during the workshop. External stakeholders were categorised as either primary or secondary stakeholders, depending on how they will be impacted by mine closure. It was determined that a considerable amount of engagement needs to happen prior to submission of the detailed MCP in 2024, and that the priority for engagement with most groups was high.

Given the number and diversity of stakeholders for the project, Mine Earth recommended that a 'multi-stakeholder closure group' be established to streamline the engagement process. The advantage of this approach is that all stakeholders are presented with the same information, can engage with each other, and are involved equally in the planning process.

The reinvigorated stakeholder engagement program for mine closure kicks-off in earnest in early 2022. Mine Earth is looking forward to working with the mine operator and the stakeholders to achieve a successful closure outcome for the project.