AusIMM, the peak body for people working in the resources sector, is proud to introduce its latest online course, the Professional Certificate in Integrated Mine Closure. Delivered online to a global audience, this 8-week course is designed to elevate the standards of mine closure, educating participants on integrating cutting-edge technologies, managing risk and realising opportunities, and effective community engagement strategies.

Designed and facilitated by leading industry experts, the Professional Certificate in Integrated Mine Closure will upskill mining professionals who are involved in any aspect of mine closure. “On completion of the 40-hour course, participants will be very clear about what their role is and how they can contribute to integrated mining closure through risk, opportunity, gap analysis, and associated maturity assessments,” Dr Carl Grant, lead facilitator on the course, says.  

Dr Grant is one of more than seven internationally renowned mine closure experts who will be facilitating the course. He is joined by, amongst others, Dr Ana Maria Esteves, co-author of the IAIA’s Guidance for Social Impact Assessment;  Kim Ferguson, who has over 20 years’ experience in the environmental, social and closure aspects of resources projects; Dr Cherie McCullough, a recognised  international expert on pit lake sustainability with over 25 years’ experience in consulting and research; Mike O’Kane, Director of the Landform Design Institute and Chair of its Technical Advisory Panel; Jonathan Sanders, who has over 16 years of consulting and owner’s experience in mining; and Dr Renee Young, Program Director, Conservation and Restoration at the Western Australian Biodiversity Science Institute.

Key topics of the new online Professional Certificate in Integrated Mine Closure include: 

Environmental stewardship: a comprehensive approach to mine closure that prioritises the protection and restoration of the environment, focusing on responsible mineral residue management, land rehabilitation, and achieving identified post-mining land-uses to leave a positive legacy for communities. 

Social responsibility: strategies to forge strong partnerships with local communities to ensure their voices are heard, and their wellbeing is safeguarded during and after mine closure. 

Collaboration and expertise: how to collaborate with industry experts, research institutions, and government bodies to ensure compliance and further develop leading practices. 

The new Professional Certificate is one of 30 mining-specific online courses that AusIMM has created in conjunction with leading organisations and subject matter experts. “It forms part of AusIMM’s mission to advance the knowledge and careers of people working in the resources sector for the benefit of the community,” says Susan Greenbank, Head of Online Courses at AusIMM.