Mining with principles at AngloGold Ashanti's Quebradona copper-gold project
Mine closure is a dynamic and iterative process that takes into account environmental, social and economic considerations at an early stage of mine development. Fundamental to this process is the need to consider closure as an integral part of a mine operation's core business.
In Colombia, AngloGold Ashanti has a ground-breaking plan to create – and integrate – a park and biodiversity centre into its Quebradona copper-gold project. This park has been designed to preserve the local environment in the area and to restore elements of the eco-system to their natural state after being impacted by farming and other land uses. The initiative is intended to gradually facilitate the regeneration of more than 2,500 hectares of indigenous tropical dry forest and high mountain forest.
Colombia’s Ministry of Environment has declared tropical dry forests as ‘strategic ecosystems’ because of their role in conserving the biodiversity of plants and animals unique to the area. As the park develops and integrates with the tropical dry forest of Jericó, the intention is to reconnect the biological corridor that once existed between a number of rivers and streams, allowing for the conservation and resurgence of species of plants and animals in the area.
The development of the park is anticipated to take place in 2021 and, in a departure from traditional mine development models, will be integrated into the Quebradona project during construction. Extensive engagement with local communities took place in preparation of the plan, including Jerico, the nearest town to the proposed development site. The initiative is intended not only to respect and protects biodiversity, but seeks to improve the natural capital of the region.