Skip to main content
Basic Technical Commonly tested

Closure cost estimation

noun

Pronunciation: /ˈkloʊʒər kɔst ˌɛstɪˈmeɪʃən/

The financial analysis and projection of expenses required to reclaim, remediate, and monitor an abandoned mine site to regulatory standards over the reclamation timeline. This includes capital costs for earthwork, equipment, materials, labor, and long-term monitoring and maintenance.

Plain English

Calculating the total financial cost to clean up and close an abandoned mine site.

Etymology & History

Origin languageEnglish
Rootclosure (from Old French closuer) + cost (from Latin constare) + estimation (from Latin aestimare)
First recorded use2000s
Usage frequencyCommon

Usage

"Closure cost estimation for the abandoned gold mine totaled $47 million when including 30 years of post-closure monitoring."

Style guide notes: Always specify timeline covered and include inflation adjustment methodology in closure cost estimates.

Also known as

reclamation cost analysis closure budgeting remediation expense projection

Contrasted with

cost underestimation zero-cost closure

Related Terms

Frequently Asked Questions

What costs are included in closure estimates?

Demolition, earthwork, water treatment equipment, vegetation, monitoring systems, and long-term maintenance.

Why is accurate closure cost estimation important?

Ensures adequate financial bonding, regulatory compliance, and prevents abandonment of incomplete reclamation.

Why Test Candidates on This?

Critical competency for senior mine engineers and project managers responsible for financial planning.

Required skill level: Senior

Editors from these organisations have used our services since 1998

Reuters BBC Oxford University Press Penguin Random House Springer Microsoft Suncor Energy United Nations Fisher Investments IBM The Home Depot KODAK CHEVRON