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ICMM launches new Handbook to support socio-economic resilience during mining transitions

5 May 2025

Key Highlights:

  • Practical guidance on nine multistakeholder approaches and 11 tools to support socio-economic transitions in mining.
  • Promotes a shift from company-led initiatives to partnership-based models that foster resilient, thriving communities.
  • Supports early planning and collaborative action to unlock long-term economic, social and environmental benefits beyond mine closure.

London, UK – Today, ICMM launches its new Handbook on Multistakeholder Approaches to Socio-Economic Transitions in Mining, a practical guide to help mining companies and stakeholders plan for mine closure in ways that foster resilient, thriving communities.  

Mine closure can significantly impact local economies and livelihoods. While mining operations often bring jobs, promote business development and generate investment in infrastructure, their closure can leave communities languishing — economically stagnant, socially strained and environmentally vulnerable.  

ICMM’s Transitions Handbook responds to this challenge by providing practical guidance to help companies and stakeholders design socio-economic transition processes that build resilience, enable economic participation and support sustainable land use. It promotes a shift from company-led approaches to partnership-based models that empower local communities, Indigenous Peoples, local governments and civil society to shape their post-mining futures.  

With a foreword by Sir Tim Smit KBE, Co-founder of the award-winning Eden Project in Cornwall, UK, it calls for bold, collaborative approaches to transition and regeneration.

The Handbook offers:

  • Nine multistakeholder approaches adaptable to different regions and mining contexts
  • Eleven practical tools to support socio-economic planning, resilience building and sustainable land use
  • Real-world case studies showcasing successful transition initiatives led by communities.

By coordinating efforts across the convening, planning, implementation and monitoring stages of mine closure, the Handbook demonstrates how collaborative approaches can transform transition challenges into opportunities — laying the foundation for enduring, positive legacies.  

Designed as a flexible, practical resource, the Handbook allows users to select the approaches and tools most relevant to their context, supporting planning and action at both site and regional levels.

Mine closures are lifecycle stages of great challenge — but also opportunity. Our new Handbook demonstrates how, by working in genuine partnership with communities, governments and other stakeholders, mining companies can help create vibrant and resilient economies that thrive long after a mine closes.

“To flourish, planning for mining transitions requires input by many actors, along with trust and investment in the leadership of all of those who play a role in the resilience of communities. Through early preparation, shared vision and collective action, we can leave positive legacies that outlast the mining lifecycle.

Danielle Martin, Co-COO and Director of Social Performance at ICMM

The Transitions Handbook builds on ICMM’s broader work on community resilience and mine closure. It complements existing resources including the Integrated Mine Closure: Good Practice Guide 3rd Edition (2025), the Closure Maturity Framework (2020) and Financial Concepts for Mine Closure (2019). It also aligns with ICMM’s initiatives on social performance and community engagement, such as the Tools for Social Performance, and should be considered alongside ICMM’s guidance on Indigenous Peoples, human rights due diligence, and responsible closure practices.

For more information and to access the full Handbook, visit ICMM’s website.

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Notes to Editor  

  • ICMM's Integrated Mine Closure: Good Practice Guide (2025) can be downloaded here.
  • ICMM’s Closure Maturity Framework (2020) can be downloaded here.
  • ICMM's Financial Concepts for Mine Closure (2019) document can be found here.
  • ICMM’s Tools for Social Performance can be found here.

About ICMM

ICMM stands for mining with principles. We bring together a third of the global metals and mining industry, along with key partners to drive leadership, action and innovation for sustainable development, ultimately delivering a positive contribution to society. Through collaboration, ICMM member companies set the standard for responsibly produced minerals and metals in a safe, just and sustainable world.

Media contact

Tom Horsman, Senior Communications Manager, ICMM
Tom.Horsman@icmm.com
+44 (0)7764 457317