The Adaptation Deficit in Post-Closure Mining: A Systematic Review of Climate Risk Governance in Canada

As climate change increasingly threatens the long-term stability of closed and closing mine sites, integrating climate adaptation into mine closure planning has become a critical yet underdeveloped area of practice. This systematic literature review examines how climate change adaptation is currently conceptualized and operationalized in the post-closure phase of mining in Canada. Drawing on a sample of 53 multi-sectoral reports and studies published between 1998 and 2024, this review provides an in-depth exploration of authorship, geographic focus, thematic emphasis, and the extent to which adaptation practices are translated into applied guidance. Findings reveal that although attention to climate-related risk in post-closure contexts has grown markedly over the past decade, substantive guidance and documented implementation of adaptation measures remain limited. Recurring barriers include insufficient technical guidance, uncertainty in climate projections, financial and liability constraints, and gaps in institutional capacity. The review identifies a persistent disconnect between growing awareness of climate risks and the integration of climate-resilient strategies into long-term mine stewardship. These findings underscore the need for clearer regulatory direction, improved practical tools, and stronger cross-sector collaboration to support adaptive, long-term management of mine sites in a rapidly changing climate.