Leading global engineering and consulting firm Golder became an Affiliate Partner to the Cooperative Research Centre for Transformations in Mining Economies (CRC TiME), pledging in-kind support to CRC TiME and associated projects in an advisory and review capacity.
“We’re very proud to be sharing our technical excellence in mine closure to help the industry overcome the growing challenge of transforming mining economies to enable Australian communities to build a successful post mine future,” said Scott Fidler, Partner and Regional Manager at Golder in Australia and New Zealand.
CRC TiME is a national consortium led by the University of Queensland and the University of Western Australia. The initiative has secured AU$30 million from the Australian Federal Government to help regional communities’ transition to a sustainable future after their local mines have closed. The funding forms part of a total 10-year investment of AU$135.4 million supporting mining communities to create sustainable development opportunities.
“Mine closure is an essential phase of the mining lifecycle, but it is a global challenge with few examples of successful closure and relinquishment,” said Darren Murphy, Golder’s Principal Consultant and Mine Closure Lead in Asia-Pacific. “A shift in the paradigm of mine closure planning will be key, as there are many opportunities available to embrace and maximize the intrinsic value of a mining site through repurposing, and to develop new perspectives on relinquishment.”
“Over the next decade, we can expect to see many new examples of successful repurposing, and the industry will benefit from a range of research flowing from bodies such as CRC TiME, so we’re thrilled to be involved.”
CRC TiME brings together 75 leading mining companies, the Minerals Council of Australia, mining equipment, technology and services (METS) companies, regional development organizations, local, State and Commonwealth governments and research partners.
CRC TiME’s CEO Dr Guy Boggs has welcomed Golder’s participation in the CRC, saying “this unique coalition will bring scale and coordinated investment in research that will connect directly with innovative companies and deliver a better approach to mine closure”.
Golder provides integrated engineering and environmental services across all stages of the mine life cycle, with a global network of specialists in mine engineering, geology, waste, water, rock and closure and environmental disciplines working for over half of the world’s top mining companies.
