Mining inevitably leaves behind a legacy that must be managed responsibly for future generations. As the energy transition accelerates and demand for critical minerals grows, it is vital to ensure that today’s mining activities do not create tomorrow’s environmental burdens.
Sustainable mine closure planning was a strong theme at this week’s Copperbelt Annual Geoenvironmental Symposium (CAGES) in Kitwe, Zambia. Alastair Bovim, CEO of Insight Terra, who was in attendance and presented at the event, says that closure planning must be integrated into every stage of the mining lifecycle to prevent challenges long after extraction has ceased.
Recognising that mine closure does not mark the end of environmental responsibility, Bovim argues that technology should act as the connective tissue between on-site conditions and engineers making time-sensitive decisions. Integrating remote sensing and IoT technologies is essential both for long-term stewardship and meeting the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM).
Tailings Liability – A Decades-Long Challenge
“In mining, tailings storage facilities (TSFs) continue to pose significant risks long after production stops,” says Bovim. “Globally, it is estimated there are over 12,000 TSFs, with more than 10% classified as having high or extreme consequences if they fail. When personnel leave and infrastructure is decommissioned, residual toxic materials threaten surrounding ecosystems. Without ongoing monitoring, unforeseen hazards such as climate‑driven erosion, wildlife interference, or illegal mining can emerge and jeopardise safety.”
Embedding ESG from Day One
SRK Consulting’s Mine Closure 2025 Report emphasises that effective closure planning should begin at the design stage. The GISTM framework requires accountability throughout both closure and post‑closure phases, often spanning 25 years or more. The primary code of practice for TSF management in South Africa has been redrafted recently to align closely with the GISTM and local legislation, and when released, will further underscore the need for uninterrupted monitoring.
“The withdrawal of personnel and equipment after mine closure creates a significant monitoring gap,” Bovim notes. “Under GISTM, operators must continue monitoring parameters such as water levels, water quality, and dam integrity until a closure certificate is issued – potentially decades after operations end.” Traditional site inspections become challenging without infrastructure, power, or communications. Remote monitoring systems, enhanced by satellite connectivity and earth observation technologies, ensure a continuous and reliable flow of environmental data from inactive sites.
Technology and Engineering – A Strategic Alliance
Insight Terra’s platform stitches together a complex tapestry of data from ground sensors, satellite imagery, and legacy systems. AI and machine learning map environmental metrics to thresholds defined by the Engineers of Record (EoR). Satellite connectivity – enabled through partners such as VIASAT – ensures that even remote or infrastructure‑poor sites remain linked for real‑time data transmission.
These technologies can either complement or replace manual inspections, which are expensive, logistically challenging, and potentially dangerous post‑closure. This fusion of technology and human expertise marks a significant advancement in responsible environmental management. “Technology empowers engineers; it does not replace them,” emphasises Bovim. “Our platform detects anomalies in real time based on predefined thresholds and integrates seamlessly with Trigger Action Response Plans (TARPs), ensuring that the right interventions are initiated promptly and consistently. This allows engineers to focus on critical decision‑making while maintaining confidence in the system’s continuous oversight.”
Satellite monitoring provides macro‑level insights, tracking changes in pond dimensions, surface deformation, and landform shifts. Ground‑based sensors deliver real‑time data on tailings stability and structural integrity. This integrated ‘top-down meets bottom-up’ approach significantly enhances situational awareness. Earth observation also plays a vital role in identifying activities on closed or inactive sites, such as illegal mining, unauthorised access, and wildlife disturbances. Together, these technologies equip regulators and mine operators with a robust, continuous monitoring solution that supports full compliance with the GISTM.
Sustainable Mine Closure Through Smart Systems
“Integrating real‑time sensor data with automated alerts fundamentally enhances post‑closure monitoring,” Bovim adds. “By initiating this process at the earliest stages, operators can establish a continuous data stream that supports long‑term environmental stability and regulatory compliance.” Critical to this approach is close collaboration with the EoR to define and calibrate the thresholds embedded within monitoring models, ensuring that any deviation from expected performance triggers timely, actionable alerts. “This is where machine learning demonstrates its true potential,” says Bovim. “Over time, the system adapts to site‑specific behaviours, improving predictive accuracy and enabling earlier detection of anomalies before they escalate into risk events.”
As mining companies embed Net Zero and responsible sourcing principles across their value chains, attention increasingly focuses on the origin and lifecycle of essential minerals. For the sector, responsible production now means ensuring that no legacy of unmanaged tailings waste is left behind. “Remote sensing and IoT technologies offer a cost‑effective, proactive approach to address these demands by enabling continuous monitoring, early risk detection, and enduring accountability,” concludes Bovim. “This approach is vital for fulfilling evolving ESG and GISTM requirements while safeguarding communities and ecosystems for generations to come.”
