Photo credit: Post Courier
The Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) will provide a division that will concentrate on what happens when a mine closes.
One of the problems found in the industry, according to managing director Jerry Garry, is mine closure.
“We are also looking to make sure that there is proper planning or sustainability beyond a mine closure,” he said. “When we close a mine, what else do we have for the people? Do we start growing coffee, cocoa trees to make sure there is economic sustainability beyond the mine? These are the real challenges that we need to address.”
According to Garry, the mining industry is organized in such a way that it considers the whole mining life cycle.
“In a normal mine life cycle, you would have exploration as the fountain of the business, then
you have construction and development, operation of the mine and, eventually, closure,” he said. “These different aspects of the mining business are described in the organisations that are created. And under the MRA, we ensure that the country’s perspective is maintained through marketing and promotion of the mineral assets we have in the country.”
Gary also mentioned the importance of exploration investment in the region.
“There can never be any mining in the country (without exploration,” he said. “So it is a critical part of the business. We always say that without exploration, there is no money.”
Reference:
The National (19 May 2021). “Authority looking at sustainable plans after mine closures”.
