Presidential Address: Post-mining use of rehabilitated land - an opportunity for the South African mining industry for sustainable development

Background The paper discusses post-mining land use however, the essence of the topic is the emotional motivation behind the decisions related to mining investment and development. Therefore this is not a typical SAIMM technical paper about the science and techniques of post-mining land use. There are already numerous papers written and conferences held on this aspect of post-mine land use; the science is well understood, but the evidence of the practical application of the (environmental, social, and economic) science is sparse. At a recent conference held in November 2017 on the theme of 'Science, Business, Society Dialogue - linking science, society, business and policy for the sustainable use of abandoned mines in the SADC region', it was demonstrated through the delivery of several papers on the possible viable options of post-mine land use. The conference was structured in nine sessions, covering the following relevant topics: Sessions 1 and 2: Nature and magnitude of the problem: raising awareness. Sessions 3 and 4: International experiences in remediation: case studies. Sessions 5, 6 and, 7: Technological solutions: converting liabilities into assets. w Session 8: Implementing solutions: social and legal aspects. Session 9: Wrap up, lessons learned: conference resolution. Summaries of the key outcomes of the sessions are available for reference. The aim of this paper, accompanied by the video speech, is to provide a visualization of the possibilities of post-mine land use. Mining contributes approximately 7% to South Africa's GDP - this is the lowest it has ever been and is attributable to both a diversifying economy and to poor mining and investment policy which has resulted in reduced investment in the sector. The objective of the paper is to highlight the opportunities, for succeeding and diversifying economic activity following mining and mineral extraction which can continue to sustain the livelihoods and wellbeing of communities and societies beyond mining. During mining, very few alternative and local economies develop. Dependence on mining and its value chain prevails until mining ceases. This idea is conveyed in Figures 1a and b. Several mining regions in South Africa (and elsewhere in the world) are experiencing post-mining poverty as mines close due to unfavourable market conditions and resources are depleted. What follows is typical mine closure plans which have had no consideration for the economic wellbeing of the communities that have established themselves around the mining activity. This paper and the associated video aim to demonstrate the increasing recognition and acknowledgement by mining companies that economic wellbeing of communities and the country does not have to cease with the end of the life of mine. Economic succession planning is a concept where post-mine land use explores the possibilities of positive economic development and continuing social impact long after a mine has closed. [GRAPHICS] The paper should be read together with the video provided in the attached QR code which shows some of the possibilities of post-mine land use, with specific reference to opencast mining. There's no doubt that underground mining also provides for different post-mine land use, other than agriculture. The vacated underground spaces lend themselves to several uses, subject to safety, health, and cost considerations, especially with deep level mining in gold and platinum mining.