Planning for mine closure: Socio‐economic impacts

Abstract

There is a dearth of empirical literature on the subject of the socio‐economic effects of mine closure. This article draws on a limited literature and from fieldwork observations and analysis on the part of the authors to define some of the issues and possible policy solutions. The article analyses the range of impacts relevant for both individuals and communities across the issues of income, mobility, skills, health, well‐being and alternative work options. It considers social implications of closure for both the formal mine workforce and also the broader network of sub‐contracted suppliers of goods and services. Examples of ‘best practice’ are highlighted, and some constraints to their ‘take up’ are also analysed.