Biodiversity and Mine Closure Why are biodiversity and mine closure important? Mining activities require the development of infrastructure, which alters the natural features of the local landscape. Open pit mines, processing plants, mine waste rock facilities, ancillary facilities, supporting infrastructure construction and roads can damage habitat, impact individual species, and affect overall ecosystem health. Mines have finite lifespans, and mining companies are responsible for managing their impacts not only during mine operations, but also after mine closure. This means restoring land to a beneficial state and ensuring no health and safety risks remain from the mining wastes, equipment, and infrastructure left behind. At Pan American Silver, our desire to leave a positive beneficial legacy in our host communities means that we engage local communities and governments in planning mine closure before a mine is in operation.
Hydroseeding for reclamation of waste rock dumps at Manantial Espejo.
94 // 2019 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
POTENTIAL RISKS AND IMPACTS Potential damage to ecosystem health and loss of biodiversity New or unanticipated closure, reclamation and remediation costs, and regulatory requirements
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