MINE CLOSURE 2010 is the fifth of a series of international conferences initiated in 2006 by the Australian Centre for Geomechanics and Centre for Land Rehabilitation, The University of Western Australia. For the second time Mine Closure returns to Chile after the successful conference held in Santiago in 2007 that gathered 415 delegates (further information at www.mineclosure2007.com). These conferences seek to bring together engineers, researchers, regulators, operators and consultants in order to discuss the latest closure issues, share lessons learned as well as future ambitions.

As in 2007, the next year's conference will be organised by Gecamin Ltd., Santiago-based mining events producing company. Gecamin annually organises 8-10 conferences and various short courses, that are well-attended by senior managers, academics and consultants. The resulting exchange of ideas at each conference is documented by the printed book of proceedings containing carefully selected peer-reviewed papers. More information about the organiser can be found at www.gecamin.cl

MINE CLOSURE 2010 will provide an oustanding opportunity for mining professionals to share their experiences, discuss latest issues and attempt to answer the important questions of how to close mines in socio-economically and environmentally responsible ways. The Conference’s mission is to:

• Promote the exchange of knowledge and experience in the design, planning and operations of mine closure plans.
• Discuss emerging developments and identify best practices in mine closure, as well as methodologies on how to achieve them.
• Analyse criteria for design and evaluation of mine closure.
• Promote development of an interdisciplinary international network for technical collaboration and exchange among professionals in the field.