Coping with Closure - An International Comparison of Mine Town Experiences

During the 1970s and 80s mine closure and wind-down became increasingly common in a number of countries. As mining communities are often situated in remote areas, with most of the community dependent on the mine, these closures have far-reaching implications. Originally published in 1992, this book addresses these issues with regard to the community and the problems facing the policy maker. The book develops some understanding of the factors influencing those affected by closure and examines the relative success of attempts to resolve the problems generated by closure. The book brings together case studies from Scandinavia, Australia and Canada. Each case study deals with one or more communities facing the closure of mines on which they depend. The particular case studies have been chosen both with a view to exploring the comparative contexts and to developing general guidelines for communities and companies facing closure and wind-down in the future.