CDM Smith and BHP Join Together for Mine Closure Conference 2023: Transform. Transition. Transfer.

At Mine Closure 2023, CDM Smith and BHP will delve into the pressing and inter­con­nected issues that the global mine closure community faces today: climate resiliency, biodi­ver­sity and ecosystem recovery, and socio-economic tran­si­tion­ing during a full-day workshop - Transform. Transition. Transfer. 

The workshop aims to shed light on how these issues can be assessed and addressed effectively, providing a roadmap for a successful transition to the next land use.

About the Mine Closure Workshop

We will discuss ways to assess and inform our under­stand­ing of climate change in relation to next land uses (including the methodology developed for BHP’s Legacy Assets Climate Resilience and Adaption Program), explore current thinking in relation to biodi­ver­sity and ecosystem recovery, and discuss stakeholder expec­ta­tions and challenges relating to custodial transfer of a site to the next landholder.

Sonia Finucane, National Discipline Leader - Asset Closure, CDM Smith

Sonia Finucane is a Principal Environmental Scientist and the National Discipline Leader for Asset Closure with CDM Smith Australia.  With more than 35 years of experience, Sonia has been involved in closure planning for mining, industrial and infrastructure projects in Australia, the Asia-Pacific and Africa. She works at the interface of the environment and community, and has a strong track record in providing practical advice and workable solutions. 

Bruno Pimento, Principal Environment, Legacy Assets, BHP

Bruno Pimento has more than 20 years of experience in environmental assessment and management. Bruno joined BHP in early 2020 and currently holds the position of Principal Environment, Legacy Assets with responsibilities including climate resiliency leadership.  Bruno also has previous experience in biodiversity projects and management of environmental resources, and has previously held professorships in biological sciences. 

Rich Hamilton, Vice President - Industrial, CDM Smith

Rich Hamilton is a Vice President at CDM Smith within the Industrial group. He has worked on projects around the world in mining, oil and gas, chemicals, power and utilities and renewable energy, with a strong focus on renewable, resilient and sustainable solutions.  Rich brings a sound understanding of both the strategic and tactical business drivers that influence the way in which companies make business decisions. 

Cannon Silver, Senior Environmental Engineer, CDM Smith

Cannon Silver is a Senior Environmental Engineer with more than 30 years of experience in site investigations, remedial design, remedial system operations and optimisation, and regulatory and community engagement. He also has extensive experience in engineering and project management roles.  Currently, Cannon is leading a climate change assessment of BHP’s legacy mine assets within Canada and the United States and coordinating development of a climate risk assessment tool to quantitatively assess the impact of climate change on these legacy mines.

The workshop will feature five unique sessions

Session 1: Post-mining land use challenges, oppor­tu­ni­ties and options (Rich Hamilton)

Session 2: Climate resiliency (Cannon Silver)

Session 3: Mapping oppor­tu­ni­ties on biodi­ver­sity (Bruno Pimenta)

Session 4: Socio-economic tran­si­tion­ing and stakeholder perceptions (Sonia Finucane)

Session 5: Bringing it all together (Sonia Finucane)