Associated Event
15–17 September 2026 | Sofitel Melbourne On Collins, Melbourne, Australia
People. Places. Possibilities. Workshop
14 September 2026 | Melbourne, Australia
About the Workshop
Over the years, there have been significant shifts in how mine closure practitioners approach the social aspects of closure and post-mining transitions. In closure planning, it has become increasingly common to see reference to understanding social values, vulnerabilities and resilience; enabling co-design and just transitions; enhancing community readiness for closure; and the need for free, prior and informed consent.
In addition, there is growing emphasis on the importance of applying socially and culturally appropriate closure techniques, ensuring procedural fairness, and growing recognition of the critical role of indigenous-led participation in successful post-mining transition.
Further, there has been a palpable shift from thinking about a mine as a functional and often short-term use of space to seeing the mine as a place that has meaning for communities past, present and future, with an accompanying expectation that miners should not just be good neighbours, but also good ancestors.
Despite the trends described above, there remains a gap between the ideas put forward – in company boardrooms, at industry events and conferences, and in communities – and the practical realities of mine closure planning and implementation.
It is now clear that with new ideas and insights comes the need for new tools. This is the third iteration in a series of workshops, with the first iterations being Reimagine. Repurpose. Relinquish. and Transition. Transform. Transfer. Through these previous workshops, we have explored the challenges associated with mine closure, with an increasing focus on community and social outcomes.
In the People. Places. Possibilities. workshop, we will explore recent shifts in thinking and learnings about the social aspects of mine closure and transition, including the ongoing social process of place creation. We will then provide a range of strategic foresight tools and methods designed to bridge the gap between big picture mine closure considerations and the reality of implementing closure on the ground.
Program*
*Program may be subject to change
Who Should Attend?
This workshop is aimed at those already involved in planning and managing mine closure and transition, as well as those only just embarking on that journey.
It will suit those specialising in mine closure, environmental, social, engineering, or other fields as well as community members impacted by mining activities.
Workshop Presenters
Sonia Finucane
Principal Closure Planner
Pershke Consulting, Australia
Sonia is a principal closure planner with more than 40 years’ experience in closure planning for mining, industrial and infrastructure projects in Australia, the Asia-Pacific and Africa. She also has extensive experience in environmental impact assessment and management, social impact assessment and stakeholder engagement. As such, she works at the interface of the environment and community, and has a strong track record in providing practical advice and workable solutions. Sonia joined Pershke Consulting in 2024 after more than 4 years with CDM Smith where her roles included national discipline leader – asset closure.
Dave Godden
Consultant
Futures Planner, Australia
Dave is a futurist and organisational consultant who has been helping organisations and communities to engage with complex challenges for over 20 years. He has worked for a wide range of public and community sector organisations in Australia and the United Kingdom as a manager, leader, partnership facilitator, strategist and policy adviser. Dave’s works focuses on helping people to have better conversations, engage effectively with complexity, and take strategic action to create better futures. He holds a masters in Strategic Foresight, a masters in Public Health and a Bachelor of Arts in History and Politics.
Meredith Bowden
Consultant
Futures Planner, Australia
Meredith combines her formal education and experience in strategic foresight and psychology, to offer a unique perspective and approach to complex challenges – at the individual, group, organisational and societal levels. With over 20 years’ professional experience, Meredith has had many roles including strategy developer, psychologist, team leader, coach, facilitator and consultant. Meredith holds qualifications in Strategic Foresight (masters), Psychology (honours) and Early Childhood Education (graduate diploma). She has contributed articles to the Knowledge Base of Futures Studies 2020, the flagship strategic foresight journal, Futures, 2021, and the magazine for the Association of Professional Futurists, Compass, 2024.
Panellists Include:
Chantal Latham
Closure Subject Matter Expert
Chantal is a senior mining professional with over 25 years’ industry experience across the full mining and processing life cycle, including international operations. Recognised as an expert in mine closure, including positions with Rio Tinto and Iluka Resources, Chantal has led complex studies and projects that integrate sustainability, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder expectations. Her expertise spans closure strategy development, governance, on-ground delivery, and financial provisioning, supported by strong leadership and project management skills. Chantal is committed to sharing knowledge through mentoring, industry associations, and conference contributions to advance best practices in mine closure and transition. She is a values-led leader who thrives on solving complex challenges and turning ideas into practical, sustainable solutions.