DEVELOPING A DESIGN BASIS MEMORANDUM
Mines the world over now have clear direction on how to ensure their operations result in properly reclaimed landscapes, thanks to a landmark guidance document produce by the LDI.
Developing a Design Basis Memorandum for Landform Design provides instructions on how to set a vision for a reclaimed landform or mine site, including establishing the goals, objectives, and design criteria needed to support that vision. The new guidance document is intended to be used for the design and assessment of individual mining landforms and for closure planning.
The guide will improve the likelihood of mines achieving signoff, which currently suffers from poor alignment among the mining company, the regulator, and the local community regarding expectations for the design, construction, and performance of reclaimed lands and the reclaimed mine site overall. As the document states:
“DBMs have several inter-related aims, among them the involvement of local communities and Indigenous Peoples, the acceleration of mine approvals, supporting mine operations, and improving mine closure outcomes.”
The guidance document is the work of a dedicated team of engineers and geologists that formed in November of 2022 at the LDI short course in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Download Developing a Design Basis Memorandum for Landform Design
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Like any guidance document, this one will evolve over time. Please send us your thoughts on what works and what might not. Send an email to info@landformdesign.com or fill out this form.