The opportunistic survey captured insights from 132 respondents, including environmental consultants, mine closure specialists, mining engineers, social impact experts, and government advisors. Designed to inform discussions and forward planning, the survey was analysed using AI and further interpretation to identify key findings, themes, and emerging ideas.[1]
It’s important to note that participants were predominantly already working in mine closure, affiliated with current PMLU practice, and mainly from urban backgrounds which may skew data towards the current paradigm. Emerging trends in post-mine land use transitions, often highlighted at the conference, point to the importance of multi-stakeholder models and its acknowledged that many groups involved in this transition were not captured in this survey.
Despite this, there was consistency of thinking in the responses to a united desire for change in the established approach to PMLU. The survey demonstrates that successful PMLU strategies depend on collaboration, adaptability, and a commitment to sustainability.
By integrating diverse perspectives, leveraging innovative tools, and prioritising balanced community and environmental outcomes, we have an opportunity to redefine mining’s legacy and unlock lasting value for society.
By keeping the conversation and passion going, together government, miners, consultants and researchers can shape a future where post-mining land use becomes a model of innovation and sustainability – unlocking productivity, social benefit and environmental protection.
Here are the findings, themes, and emerging ideas identified.
What drives successful PMLU?
Participants highlighted four critical key factors for success:
- Clear regulatory frameworks – Transparency and simplicity in regulatory processes and approvals is
essential for repurposing mined land effectively. - Community support – Local engagement and buy-in are crucial for post-mining projects.
- Robust business cases – Financial feasibility ensures sustainable and impactful PMLU outcomes.
- Sustainability and inclusivity – “Nature-positive” approaches and respect for Traditional Owner rights are critical priorities.
Additional considerations included securing investment capital and piloting innovative economic uses for active sites.
Global success stories?
Survey respondents cited 20 examples of successful PMLU projects that blend environmental restoration, economic innovation, and social impact. Notable examples include:
- Kidston (QLD): Pioneering integrated solar and pumped hydro reusing existing pita.
- Gove Mine (NT): Notable for effective rehabilitation strategies and community led adaptation and transition strategies.
- Penrith Lakes (NSW): Recreational transformation of mined land.
- Eden Project (UK): From clay pit to thriving eco-tourism destination.
- Diavik Diamond Mine (Canada): Internation benchmark for comprehensive land reuse planning.
Three key themes resonate: ecological restoration, innovative land repurposing, and community-centred approaches to deliver best value when driven by creativity and collaboration.
Beyond economics: Valuing non-financial benefits
Respondents identified five non-financial priorities for evaluating mine rehabilitation success:
- Community health and welfare – Ensuring local communities thrive after mining ends.
- Indigenous cultural values – Respecting and incorporating cultural heritage.
- Ecological restoration – Returning ecosystems to pre-mining conditions.
- Regional economic opportunities – Creating jobs and upskilling local populations.
- Nature-positive outcomes – Achieving net environmental benefit.
Findings underscore the importance of balancing social, cultural, and ecological outcomes with economic considerations.
PMLU tools and strategies
The top tools and methodologies supporting PMLU evaluation and planning were:
- Stakeholder mapping – Engaging diverse groups early in planning.
- Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) – Integrating environmental, social, and economic factors.
- Remote sensing and GIS – Leveraging technology to monitor and plan transitions.
- Ecosystem services assessments – Measuring the benefits improved ecosystems can provide.
These tools offer a comprehensive framework for navigating the complexities of post-mining transitions.
Incentivising government action
Participants discussed encouraging governments to adopt circular economy practices for PMLU. Strategies included:
- Positive incentives: Tax breaks, rehabilitation fee discounts, and streamlined approvals.
- Technological innovation: Encouraging the use of AI and GIS for rehabilitation planning.
- Public-private partnerships: Collaborative models for resource sharing and innovation.
Sharing risks to foster innovation
Effective PMLU strategies require transparent risk-sharing between governments, mining companies, developers, and communities. Survey participants emphasised:
- Transparent communication: Building trust through honest discussions about residual risks.
- Collaborative approaches: Early government involvement and inclusive community engagement.
- Regulatory flexibility: Adaptive frameworks that support innovative solutions.
Tailored, site-specific solutions, underpinned by trust and shared responsibility, can pave the way for balanced, innovative post-mining outcomes.
Fresh perspectives from outside mining
Expanding beyond traditional mine rehabilitation perspectives, respondents identified eight external sectors with potential to transform PMLU strategies:
- Renewable energy: Leveraging mine sites for solar, wind, and hydropower projects.
- First Nations organisations: Integrating cultural and environmental insights.
- Geotourism and industrial heritage: Repurposing sites for tourism, social and education purposes.
- Future food production: Innovating with agriculture and aquaculture.
- Property development: Creative urban redevelopment of former mine sites.
- Environmental conservation: Establishing wildlife reserves and green spaces.
- Education: Using mine sites as hubs for research and outreach.
- Defence: Exploring strategic uses for decommissioned sites.
This cross-sectoral engagement points to the potential for broader collaboration to drive creative, sustainable PMLU solutions.
Big ideas for the future
Respondents also shared their imaginative concepts for post-mining land use, emphasizing sustainability, community benefit, and innovation. Ideas included:
- Renewable energy hubs around a range of current and emerging technologies.
- Adventure tourism building on the final form of mining landscapes.
- Eco-cultural tourism showcasing natural, built and intrinsic attractions.
- Educational living labs or museums for engineering, geology, sustainability, and beyond.
- Technology-driven uses including data centres, crypto mining, or high-tech research.
- Sustainable agriculture – using reclaimed water and soils.
These proposals are a taste of the many PMLU possibilities mining sector respondents saw when enabled by bold thinking and collaboration. Creative outsiders will see more.
Get involved
Get involved and share your thoughts and ideas as we continue redefining PMLU. Read a more in-depth review of the survey.
Stay in touch with CRC TiME at https://crctime.com.au/newsletter, or
Register for the journey with enviroMETS at https://enviromets.net.au/Join-Us
[1] The survey was not undertaken for research purposes
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