Mine Closure Guidelines to Be Updated to Meet Current Requirements
Planning mine closure is a critical part of the mine life cycle management and responsible mining. Geological Survey of Finland GTK and the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment of Kainuu (Kainuu ELY Centre) have launched a joint project with the aim of updating mine closure guidebook to reflect current requirements and best practices.
After mining operations have ceased, structures and extractive waste facilities with environmental effects may remain on site for decades. As inadequate post-treatment and closure measures can cause, e.g. discharge of harmful water to the environment, it is imperative to design mine closure prior to the beginning of mining activities.
GTK and Kainuu ELY Centre are preparing a new mine closure guidebook that includes current and clear instructions on how to compile a closure plan. The update aims to facilitate mine closure planning, harmonise practices, and improve sustainability and environmental protection in the mining industry.
Changed requirements call for updated guidelines
Mine Closure Handbook, published in 2005, has provided closure guidance for the mining industry in Finland. The handbook requires update due to the changes in legislation and mine closure guidance after its publication. In 2021, for example, the European Commission issued mine closure guidelines that Member States need to implement in national legislation. The original handbook will form the basis for the update.
Additionally, GTK and its partners have since developed new mine closure methods and tools, such as Closurematic, for planning and managing mine closure. The update will utilise key guidelines on environmental protection in mining, such as BEP and EIA guides, and up-to-date international guides, practices, and checklists.
Mine closure requires careful planning
The general objective of mine closure is to render the mining site harmless and safe for people and the environment. However, practical measures vary from site to site according to the extent of the mining activities, the ore, and the mineral processing technology.
The new guidebook seeks to direct and improve the quality of mine closure planning while harmonising mine closure practices across Finland. The guidebook collates best current practices for mine closure. The updated guidebook will serve authorities, mining companies, and environmental experts.
Expert collaboration behind the update
The updated guidebook is prepared by experts from GTK and Kainuu ELY Centre, as well as third-party consultants where necessary. The cooperation began this year, with the final guidebook due by the end of 2026. The project is jointly funded by GTK and the Kainuu ELY Centre, with the Kainuu ELY Centre receiving a contribution from the Ministry of the Environment. GTK is responsible for the coordination and execution of the project.
The guidebook is prepared in accordance with EU and national legislation on mine closure and post-treatment. Stakeholder views are considered in its development. Mining operators, authorities, and NGOs are offered the opportunity to comment the guidebook. The final comment round will take place in autumn 2026.
Further information
Päivi Kauppila, Chief Expert
Geological Survey of Finland GTK
paivi.kauppila@gtk.fi
tel. +358 029 503 3715
Tuula Sivonen, Chief Environmental Specialist
Kainuu ELY Centre
tuula.sivonen@ely-keskus.fi
tel. +358 295 037 047
The original Mine Clousure Handbook is available to view and download in the GTK Hakku online service:
Mine Closure Handbook
Website by GTK and partners on technology, methods, and guides used in mine closure:
Mine Closure web pages
Digital tool for planning and managing mine closure:
Closurematic website
