Authority looking at sustainable plans after mine closures

THE Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) will set up a branch to focus on life after a mine closure.
Managing director Jerry Garry said a mine closure was one of the issues identified in the sector.
“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.”
Garry said the mining sector was structured in a way to look at the entire 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 prospective is maintained through marketing and promotion of the mineral assets we have in the country.”
Gary also said exploration investment in the country was important.
“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.”