Abstract

This introductory article provides a synthesis of and a conceptual framing for, the five contributing articles in the Special Section "Self-determination in mine closure and mine site transition across nations". These articles explore the intersections of mineral extraction, environmental legacies, and Indigenous post-mining futures in the context of mine site transitions. The articles provide a series of Indigenous-authored and collaborative contributions offering a deeper exploration of community perspectives, engagements and governance practices at extractive sites in Australia and Canada. Written from diverse ecological, social and political contexts, taken together the articles elevate Indigenous voices and experiences in mine closure governance. This addresses the significant gap in the literature on the social aspects of mine closure, which is particularly glaring in relation to Indigenous peoples' rights and interests. The mines that are the focus of consideration in this Special Section cover various commodities including gold, diamonds, nickel, zinc, lead, silver and copper. Many of them were, and in some cases still are, long-lived mines. Though they all have particular histories and contexts, all the Indigenous commentators reflect on mining as an expression of the continuity of settler colonialism and environmental injustice.

Keywords: Indigenous peoples, mining, mine closure, reclamation, environmental justice, reconciliation

How to Cite:

Holcombe, S. E., Hall, R. J. & Keeling, A., (2025) “Self-Determination in mine site transitions and mine closure governance across Indigenous nations”, Journal of Political Ecology 32(1): 8604. doi: https://doi.org/10.2458/jpe.8604