The holder of a Mining Exploitation Title is required to do everything in order to proceed with the closure of its mining operations in a gradual and orderly manner in order to prepare the Local Community for the cessation of its activities. Such holder shall notify the administrations concerned at least twelve (12) months prior to the planned date of closing and, six (6) months prior to the closing date, in cooperation with the territorial Administration and the Local Community will prepare a plan for the closure of its mining operations.
As part of this plan, the opinion of competent departments is required to determine the compliance and suitability of the measures for making the zone liveable so that it is compatible with all forms of life and activity in the zone, namely:
- Eliminating harmful risks to the health and safety of persons;
- The rehabilitation of the site to a condition that is acceptable to the Local Community; and
- The restoration of vegetation with similar characteristics to those of the vegetation of the surrounding area.