Mining companies have long recognised the value of public participation for generating useful information, and for building relationships and mutual understanding with communities affected by their operations. Throughout the mine life-cycle, mines typically adopt a range of participatory processes to identify what communities are affected by mining, how each is best engaged with, and what their interests, rights, and activities are.

In closure planning, the focus of public participation is on identifying and managing the changes brought about by closure. What participatory processes contribute to a smooth transition to a post-mining future? How can public participation contribute to a positive socio-economic legacy of mining?

This project, undertaken as part of the Social Aspects of Mine Closure Research Consortium, addresses these questions. We found few studies documenting the specific application of participatory processes to mine closure. Even fewer provide analysis to glean broader insights beyond time- and context-specific details. This project was designed as an exploratory, desktop study to ascertain what is known and documented about participation in mine closure. It is intended to provide an overview of key principles, and to function as a repository of case studies to support future research.