Pit lakes as the focus of sustainable development – how to preclude a post-closure disaster

Stuck in the warm sun besides the beach in southern California this week, I still had time to look up some papers on mine open pit lakes.  This was done a part of an ongoing debate about sustainable development.   I debate as follows:  obey the law in spirit and verse–and if the jurisdiction is too corrupt to do it correctly, practice responsible mining; drop the concept of sustainable development in the context of mining–the words have too long being incorrectly used to promote irrational ideas to be of much value any more; rather talk about responsible mining–a broader and more ethical approach that incorporates the sensible parts of sustainable development;  and finally make sure that when the mine is worked out, people can continue to enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness in, around, and in spite of the mine.  Spook is a good example of what I mean.  No chance for China here though.