Nature-based infrastructure’s role in mining closure plans

The report evaluates three closure pathways for artisanal gold mines in Marmato, Colombia, finding that progressive closure using nature-based infrastructure (NBI) provides a return of USD 1.44 for every USD 1 invested. The primary economic driver is the reduction of mortality risks from landslides, rockfalls, and tunnel collapses. NBI interventions, including reforestation and hydrological restoration, are shown to be more cost-effective when implemented during operations rather than at the end of mine life.

• Progressive mine closure using nature-based infrastructure (NBI) in Marmato yields a conservative return of USD 1.44 for every USD 1 invested, with additional non-monetized social and health benefits.
• The strongest economic case for structured mine closure is the protection of human life by reducing exposure to landslides, rockfalls, and tunnel collapses, which constitutes the largest share of monetized benefits.
• Implementing closure measures progressively during operations is more cost-effective than end-of-life closure because it utilizes materials generated during operations and allows ecosystem service benefits to accrue earlier.
• NBI interventions, specifically reforestation, slope stabilization, soil remediation, and hydrological restoration, provide critical ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, biodiversity recovery, and erosion control.
• Marmato currently faces significant environmental liabilities and risks due to a lack of approved closure plans and an emerging regulatory framework for artisanal and small-scale mining in Colombia.

APA

Bassi,, N. N. (2026). Nature-based infrastructure’s role in mining closure plans. International Institute for Sustainable Development. https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/nature-based-infrastructure-mining-closure-colombia

Chicago

Bassi,, Nathalia Niño,Andrea. Nature-based infrastructure’s role in mining closure plans. International Institute for Sustainable Development, 2026. https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/nature-based-infrastructure-mining-closure-colombia.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Bassi, |first1=Nathalia Niño,Andrea |title=Nature-based infrastructure’s role in mining closure plans |publisher=International Institute for Sustainable Development |date=24 April 2026 |url=https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/nature-based-infrastructure-mining-closure-colombia |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{bassi2026naturebased, author = {Bassi,, Nathalia Niño,Andrea}, title = {{Nature-based infrastructure’s role in mining closure plans}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2026}, month = apr, url = {https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/nature-based-infrastructure-mining-closure-colombia}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }