Nature-based infrastructure’s role in mining closure plans

This report evaluates the economic and environmental benefits of using nature-based infrastructure (NBI) for progressive mine closure in Marmato, Colombia. It finds that progressive closure provides a return of USD 1.44 for every USD 1 invested, primarily by reducing mortality risks from landslides and tunnel collapses. NBI interventions like reforestation and slope stabilization are highlighted as critical for restoring ecosystems and reducing long-term environmental liabilities in a region where regulatory frameworks for artisanal mining closure are still emerging.

• Implementing a progressive closure plan using nature-based infrastructure (NBI) in Marmato, Colombia, yields a return of USD 1.44 for every USD 1 invested. This figure is considered a conservative estimate because certain health and social benefits could not be monetized.
• The primary economic driver for structured mine closure is the protection of human life by reducing the risk of mortality associated with tunnel collapse, rockfalls, and landslides.
• Progressive closure is more cost-effective than end-of-life closure because it utilizes materials produced during mining operations instead of requiring external inputs at the end of the mine's life, while allowing ecosystem benefits to accrue earlier.
• Nature-based infrastructure interventions—specifically hydrological restoration, soil remediation, slope stabilization, and reforestation—provide essential ecosystem services such as biodiversity recovery, carbon sequestration, and erosion control.
• In Marmato, the lack of approved closure plans and an emerging regulatory framework for artisanal and small-scale mining have led to accumulated environmental risks, including water contamination and unstable slopes.

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} }