Integrating Gender Equality and Mine Closure: Actions for governments

The social impacts of mine closure on women—and the interconnectedness of gender equality and mine closure—are often insufficiently considered. A limited number of studies from South Africa, sub-Saharan Africa, and Canada have identified a strong correlation between mine closure and women’s social, economic, and domestic vulnerability. The research shows that the outmigration of the male population to find livelihoods elsewhere and the social upheaval that comes with loss of employment and decreased economic activity are triggers for these impacts. This is a report on how mine closure and gender equality intersect and how governments can ensure closure practices and policies integrate gender considerations.