Closure of Tailings Impoundments ⎯ Chilean Experiences

Although Chile has been a mining country for over three hundred years, it does not have specific laws and regulations on mine closure. Currently, there is awareness of the necessity to establish a technical-legal framework for both the mining companies and the regulatory authorities. This paper describes the present situation relating to mine closure in Chile and in particular to the closure of tailings impoundments. The advantages of using a risk based methodology to develop closure plans are discussed and in this way, the key aspects of the required actions for closure of tailings impoundments are identified. The recommendations for revision of the current mine closure regulatory regime has been developed through a review of the current legislation and laws that are presently under development in the country.