ISO 21795-1:2021

Overview

ISO 21795-1:2021 - Mine closure and reclamation planning - Part 1: Requirements defines an international framework and processes for planning mine closure and reclamation for both new and operating mines. The standard sets out requirements and recommendations for closure objectives, technical procedures, socio‑economic mitigation, financial assurance, planning for unplanned closure, post‑closure management and documentation. It aims to promote consistent, high‑quality closure planning that reduces risk, supports sustainable land and water use, and improves stakeholder trust.

Key topics and requirements

ISO 21795-1 structures closure planning around six core framework elements and detailed planning activities:

• Framework elements

  • Responsibility (mine operator duties, stakeholder engagement, regulatory context, financial planning)
  • Integration (integrate closure with mine design, operations, water/land controls and social transition)
  • Design (closure objectives, timely planning, design for closure)
  • Risk & opportunity assessment and management
  • Evaluation & improvement (quality assurance, adaptive management)
  • Knowledge & data management

• Technical procedures and techniques (requirements and recommendations for):

  • Mine site characterization
  • Physical and chemical stability of landforms and water
  • Management of contaminated media
  • Infrastructure decommissioning and disposal
  • Post‑closure land‑use planning and reclamation approaches
  • Progressive closure, scheduling and cost estimation
  • Risk and opportunity management

• Socio‑economic considerations

  • Mitigation of community and workforce impacts
  • Planning social transition to closure

• Financial assurance

  • Financial planning and provisions for closure liabilities and long‑term management

• Unplanned closure & post‑closure

  • Planning for unexpected closure events
  • Post‑closure management plans and closure criteria

• Documentation

  • Closure plan content, updates, and knowledge management

The standard also specifies what it does not cover (e.g., off‑site infrastructure not located on the mine site, detailed survey/testing methods, occupational health & safety aspects, radiological specifics for uranium mines, and abandoned mines).

Applications

ISO 21795-1 is used to:

• Develop or assess comprehensive closure and reclamation plans
• Integrate closure requirements into mine design and operations
• Establish financial assurance and provisioning strategies
• Guide stakeholder engagement and socio‑economic transition planning
• Prepare for unplanned closure scenarios and long‑term post‑closure management

Who should use this standard

• Mine planners and designers
• Mine operators and environmental managers
• Regulators and permitting authorities
• Environmental assessors and consultants
• Financial stakeholders and insurers
• Communities and Indigenous groups involved in closure dialogue

Related standards

• ISO 21795-2 - Guidance for implementation of ISO 21795-1
• ISO 20305 - Mine closure and reclamation - Vocabulary (normative reference)

Keywords: ISO 21795-1, mine closure, reclamation planning, closure plan, financial assurance, post‑closure management, stakeholder engagement.