Best Practices in Mine Closure: A Case Study of Cultural Ecosystem Services in the Kenyan Mining Sector

Abstract

Mining operations leave behind quarries with inhospitable conditions, characterized by steep drop-offs, deep water, flooding and poor drainage, and in some cases, abandoned industrial waste. Increasingly, innovations in mine closure and ecological restoration are integratinghuman activities into post-project land uses. Drawing from the Bamburi Haller Park, a former limestone quarry, this study demonstrates that with suitable environmental practices and policy interventions, mine closure can lead to positive projects that spur economic and social benefits. As a policy tool, this paper examines cultural ecosystem services (CES) as part of best practices in mine closure and mine restoration. Visitation data and revenue records were collected covering the period from 2014 to December 2018. Results show that over 566 hectares are now under various land uses with 56.51 per cent of the quarry having been ecologically rehabilitated. The site attracted over 181,000 visitors annually with an average annual revenue of US$330,745 from CES, including ecotourism, recreation and sports and environmental and conservation education. CES can form a strong foundation for promoting ecosystems restoration, biodiversity conservation and sustainable land use activities while showcasing best practices in environmental social governance. The resulting ecosystem is a unique model and showcase for sustainable and responsible mine closure in the extractive industry.