Coal mine closure, environmental impacts and reclamation in Colombia, Mongolia and Thailand
Coal continues to play a significant role in many countries' economic systems, either as a power source or an export product. As the global community intensifies its focus on environmental sustainability and just transitions, preparing the land and communities for the eventual phase-out of coal becomes imperative. As mines reach the end of their operational life due to declining reserves, shifting market dynamics, or social and environmental pressures, structured and inclusive mine closure planning becomes increasingly urgent. Abandoned or poorly managed mining areas can lead to environmental degradation, safety hazards, and socioeconomic disruption, particularly in communities that depend on coal for their livelihoods and public revenues. Addressing these challenges requires integrated strategies encompassing technical decommissioning, regulatory reform, environmental rehabilitation, and social resilience.
Projekt-Consult is conducting a multi-country study evaluating the legal, institutional, environmental, and social dimensions of mine closure and post-mining transitions in specific coal regions of Colombia, Mongolia, and Thailand. The study compares national systems to international standards, such as Better Coal 2.0, the ICMM Good Practice Guide, the World Bank Mine Closure Toolbox, and the IRMA standard. The project uses a multifaceted approach that includes desk research, geospatial analysis, field missions, and stakeholder interviews to identify key gaps in policy, enforcement, and institutional capacity. This strategy is used to investigate regulatory gaps and environmental impacts, such as land degradation, acid mine drainage, and waste pollution. Additionally, the project assesses the feasibility of land reclamation and productive reuse. Tailored closure roadmaps will be developed to address country-specific conditions and will be supported by actionable recommendations for the technical implementation of mine closure plans, regulatory improvements, and institutional coordination.
Financed by GIZ, the study acknowledges that mine closure is a socially and politically charged process, particularly in regions where the economy heavily relies on coal. When formulating recommendations, the study will consider the expectations and concerns of local stakeholders, including government actors, civil society members, and vulnerable groups. The resulting mine closure roadmaps will balance environmental recovery with inclusive development. These roadmaps will provide national authorities, local stakeholders, and development partners with practical tools to support socially just and environmentally sound transitions in coal mining regions.
