Section 33, 62 of the Environmental Protection Act, 2008, the Board hereby makes

(1) For Category A and B projects, an applicant shallproduce a Mine Closure Plan which shall include all technical and legal measures that need to be implemented by the holder of a mineral right in order to rehabilitate the areas disturbed by its operations and to eliminate actual or potential risks to the environment and to public health and safety. (2) For Category C projects , the applicant shall produce a conceptual mine closure plan which shall be included in the ESIA. (3) The mining areas shall be restored to their preoperational ecological conditions whenever feasible, or otherwise, to an environmental condition appropriate for sustainable alternative uses acceptable to the Board. (4) The conceptual closure plan shall include a budget of costs in relation to the mine closure. (5) A detailed Mine Closure Plan shall be submitted for approval by the Board, together with the financial assurance, at least six months before the proposed commencement of the project. (6) Existing small-scale mining and large-scale mining licence holders who do not currently have approved closure plans shall submit a detailed Mine Closure Plan for approval of the Board within six months after these Regulations enter into force. 40 41 Presentation of financial assurance Temporary Suspension of activities Mine closure obligations. Mine Closure Plan (7) The Mine Closure Plan shall be prepared in accordance with the structure and guidance as specified in the Ninth Schedule of these Regulations. (8) Once approved by the Board, the Mine Closure Plan shall be reviewed and updated every two years and whenever changes in the project make it necessary and all updates shall be submitted to the Board for approval.