Newcastle Branch Event - Mine Closure:  from Conceptual Designs to Detailed Execution

What can people learn from this event and why should they attend?

For the upcoming presentation on mine closure planning and execution, the ideal attendees would be professionals involved in environmental management, technical consultants, industry specialists, regulators, and those working in land use planning and economic development. This would include environmental consultants, operators, regulatory compliance officers, and urban planners who are interested in sustainable practices and the transition of land post-mining.

Participants can expect to learn a comprehensive overview of mine closure planning, from conceptual designs to detailed execution plans.

Andrew, a leader in this field, will delve into the technical challenges of mine closure, discussing the various experts involved and the multidisciplinary approach required.

Attendees will gain insights into the determination of Post Mining Land Uses (PMLU) and explore pathways to transition to beneficial land uses, including local and global examples. The session will also cover existing regulatory pathways in NSW for alternate post-mining land uses, barriers to achieving these goals, and the significant role that ALGA members and their technical skills can play in this process. The presentation will conclude with a Q&A session, providing a valuable opportunity for attendees to engage directly with an expert and clarify specific concerns related to mine closure projects.

Your ticket includes one complimentary drink and a selection of appetizers. Please note that this is not a formal dinner event.

BYO! To minimise our use of plastic, we encourage delegates to bring their own reusable water bottles.

Our speaker:

Andrew Hutton
Founder & Managing Director
Integrated Environmental Management Australia (IEMA)

Andrew Hutton is the Founder and Managing Director of Integrated Environmental Management Australia (IEMA), a boutique consultancy delivering environmental management and advisory services across various sectors. Established in 2018, IEMA gained recognition by winning the “Start Up Superstar” at the 2019 Lake Macquarie Business Awards and now employs a team of 26 specialists. A leader in mine closure planning, Andrew’s expertise is pivotal to his role at IEMA. He has extensive experience across a range of commodities, preparing closure plans from conceptual designs to detailed execution. His work includes leading several comprehensive mine closure projects that encompass all aspects of planning, stakeholder engagement, technical studies, and closure cost estimations. Andrew is a member of the Closure Planning Practitioners Association (CPPA) and has significantly contributed to the development of rehabilitation cost estimation tools for state governments in NSW, Victoria, and Queensland.

Beyond his consultancy roles, Andrew actively contributes to post mining land use transition and circular economy outcomes as a Director of the CELL, the Circular Economy Living Lab, and as a Non-Executive Director of Dantia, the Lake Macquarie Economic Development Company. Andrew's background also includes significant roles in governance, serving as a Commissioner on the NSW Independent Planning Commission from 2015 – 2021 and then on various regional planning panels until 2023. His expertise in environmental risk management, auditing, and stakeholder engagement further complements his leadership in mine closure planning, making him a respected figure in both the environmental and regulatory communities.