Closure Plans, Detailed Design, and Construction Support

Closure Plans, Detailed Design, and Construction Support Overview

Integrated mine closure planning combines reclamation expertise with strategic mine planning to prevent poor and underfunded closure outcomes. Integrated closure planning helps mine operators incorporate closure directly into the life of mine plan. We take this unique approach to help clients optimize project value throughout the entire mine lifecycle from exploration through to relinquishment, creating a fully integrated life of asset plan.

Mine closure and reclamation planning starts with initial mine development planning and evolves with increasing refinements throughout the life of mine. Implementing progressive mine closure activities throughout operations support adaptive management and inform closure and reclamation cost estimate.

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Okane Consultants mine closure detailed-design-construction-support

Okane Consultants mine closure detailed design construct

Okane's Capabilities

Detailed closure plans are essential for ensuring that mine sites are safely and effectively rehabilitated, and to ensure that risks and opportunities associated with mine closure are appropriately identified and addressed throughout the life of mine. Okane develops comprehensive mine closure plans that align with jurisdictional requirements and International Standards for mine closure and reclamation planning. Detailed closure plans include mine closure activities, schedules, cost estimates and consideration for unplanned closures like suspension or cessation of operations.

Mine closure cost estimates are used to inform financial assurance (closure bonds) required by regulators, are included in financial statements as asset retirement obligations/ reclamation liability and are integrated into the life of asset cost estimate. Okane develops closure cost estimates that align with the Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering (AACE) methodology and has experience with closure cost estimation tools including the Nevada Standardized Reclamation Cost Estimator (SRCE), the Mine Closure Cost Estimator (MCCE), and the British Columbia Regional Mine Reclamation Bond Calculator.

Okane specializes in designing site-specific, optimized cover systems, ensuring long-term environmental stability and risk management. As the authors of the Global Cover System Design Technical Guidance Document, we provide comprehensive cover system and landform design services including numerical modelling and issue for construction drawings. We consider site-specific conditions like climate, available material, topography, hydrogeography, and returning land-use objectives to inform how we design cover systems and landforms.

One of the biggest challenges facing the mining industry is the construction of physically stable landforms that can resist long-term erosion. Okane employs advanced techniques to simulate and predict long-term changes in landscapes over time, ensuring comprehensive and sustainable reclamation strategies. Our team is experienced with erosion modelling tools such as CAESAR, RUSTLE, SIBERIA and WEPP.

Okane offers complete Issued for Construction (IFC) design packages for mine closure cover systems and landforms. Our construction specifications are developed to support key design objectives and outcomes, as well as provide detailed specifications for material selection and placement, and required construction methods. Our construction quality programs can include a combination of remote Request for Information (RFI) and conformance support, and field-based quality assurance.

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