ISO 21795-2:2021

Overview

ISO 21795-2:2021 - "Mine closure and reclamation planning - Part 2: Guidance" provides practical guidance for planning and executing closure and reclamation of new and operating mine sites. The standard focuses on a structured, risk‑based approach to mine closure planning, covering tailings storage facilities, water storage, waste rock dumps, heap leach pads, open pits, underground workings, mine infrastructure and temporary closure scenarios. It also addresses land reclamation, water management, vegetation reestablishment, water treatment and engineered covers. The document explicitly excludes off‑site infrastructure, highly detailed engineering/test methods, occupational health & safety, relinquishment processes, radiological specifics (e.g., uranium) and closure of abandoned mines.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Closure planning framework: Guidance on developing closure and reclamation plans that are iterative, documented and integrated with mine life‑cycle management.
• Risk and status assessments: Requirements for assessing facility condition, environmental risks and potential failure modes for tailings, waste rock, open pits and underground workings.
• Alternatives analysis and decision tools: Guidance on evaluating closure options, cost/benefit, and selecting practicable reclamation strategies.
• Landform and revegetation: Principles for designing stable landforms, surface preparation, soil management and vegetation establishment with monitoring and adaptive management.
• Water management and treatment: Guidance for designing water management systems, water treatment processes and long‑term monitoring to meet environmental objectives.
• Stakeholder engagement: Emphasis on meaningful engagement with regulators, communities and other stakeholders throughout planning and closure implementation.
• Scope boundaries: Clarifies excluded topics (e.g., off‑site infrastructure, detailed testing methods, radiological-specific requirements).

Applications and who uses this standard

ISO 21795-2 is intended for professionals involved in mine closure and environmental management, including:

• Mine operators and closure planners developing lifecycle closure strategies and closure cost estimates.
• Environmental and geotechnical consultants preparing closure plans, risk assessments and reclamation designs.
• Regulators and permitting authorities reviewing closure plans and compliance demonstrations.
• Investors and lenders assessing closure liabilities and mine rehabilitation risk.
• Community stakeholders and NGOs seeking clarity on closure commitments and stakeholder engagement expectations.

Practical uses include preparing closure and reclamation plans, designing water treatment and revegetation programs, conducting risk‑based assessments for tailings and waste rock, and structuring stakeholder engagement during closure.

Related standards

• ISO 14001 (environmental management systems) and national regulations for mine closure are commonly used alongside ISO 21795‑2 to ensure regulatory compliance and integrated environmental management.