Key points
- 240 mines are projected to close by 2040 in Australia.
- The Cooperative Research Centre for Transformations in Mining Economies (CRC TiME) funded The University of Queensland and Curtin University to develop a world-first online course on mine closure and post-mine transitions.
- 406 professionals from 33 countries enrolled in a free beta version.
- Participants rated the course highly. A paid version with certification is in development.
Very few mines close well with limited examples of Australian and global successes compared to the number of operating sites.
We are now one step closer to upskilling professionals, regional and First Nations communities and governments in meeting the challenge of improving economic, social and environmental outcomes when mines will close.
The world’s first Mass Open Online Course on mine closure and post-mine transitions – an online course open to the public – has seen its first cohort of students successfully complete it for free, with a paid certification version on the way.
The ‘Foundations of Mine Closure and Sustainable Transitions’ course – a collaboration between The University of Queensland and Curtin University, funded by the Cooperative Research Centre for Transformations in Mining Economies (CRC TiME) – has proven that demand exists for upskilling and retraining in how to improve the closure of mines and the move towards next land uses.
406 professionals from 33 countries enrolled in the free beta version of the course, with interest across North America, South America, Africa, the Middle East and Asia, as well as Australia.
While most students were industry professionals, the cohort included regulators, policy-makers and postgraduate students seeking further knowledge in this area.
This project also found that women want to drive the post-mine transition agenda: 53% of the course cohort identified as female.
CRC TiME Research Director Professor Tom Measham noted the relevance of the course for the future of Australian mining, its social license, and the potential for world-leading practices: “Careful and early mine closure planning is vital to think about life after mining. Australia is well positioned to lead the way internationally by showing how opportunities for next land uses can positively benefit the surrounding communities. Australian examples include the Stawell Physics Underground Lab and the Kidston Clean Energy Hub, both repurposing old gold mines.”
Leaders of the MOOC project, Dr George Barakos and Rosemarie Tapia Rivera, are delighted at the uptake of the innovative upskilling course.
Dr Barakos explained why this course is meeting industry needs: “Mine closure and post-mining use of lands is equally important to mining operations working towards a sustainable mining industry. The demand for educating experts in mine closure is increasing exponentially, as is the demand for critical minerals.”
“We value our beta participants’ diversity, number, and insights, highlighting the essential role of post-mine processes throughout the mining lifecycle. This joint effort could support practices that benefit post-mine scenarios and communities globally,” added Ms Tapia Rivera.
Established in 2020, the Cooperative Research Centre for Transformations in Mining Economies is part of the Australian Government’s Cooperative Research Centre Program. It is the world’s only dedicated research organisation examining how to reimagine and transform what happens – economically, socially and environmentally – after mining ends.
CRC TiME’s mining research partners allocated a portion of their committed funding over the life of the organisation to development of the course as part of a suite of three new education and training initiatives. CRC TiME’s mining research partners include Hanson Australia, Iluka, MMG, BHP, Rio Tinto, Energy Australia, Alcoa, Fortescue, South32, and Newmont.
Expressions of interest are sought for the next cohort of upskillers: email hello@crctime.com.au to get involved.