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Cleaning up old and abandoned mines is a daunting task that is costing countries trillions of dollars. The expenses involved in this endeavor often exceed the revenue generated by the mining companies themselves, and it is becoming increasingly evident that the industry cannot handle it alone. The world over, the closure and reclamation of mines require thorough planning and effective strategies that include responsible mining and waste management.

Mines present various environmental and economic issues; the top of the list is pollution. Once the mines are closed, water seeping into them can dissolve toxic metals, which would then overflow into the surrounding environment. Heavy metals, such as lead, arsenic, and zinc, could lead to severe health hazards if untreated, and they can remain active for centuries after the mine's closure. Decommissioning and cleanup often involve covering mine waste with soil and stabilizing the area to contain the pollution.

Rio Tinto, one of the world's largest metal producers, has been leading the charge in developing technology and strategies for mine reclamation. Despite this, the cost of cleanup has been astronomical, and the company acknowledges that mining firms cannot tackle it alone. Wilson notes that partnerships between private and public companies are essential to address the issue effectively, as it requires vast resources and a global effort.

The reclamation process could take anywhere from a decade to a century or more. The length of time involved depends on the complexity of the mine, the lessons learned from previous projects, and the technology available for use. One of the projects utilizing the latest technology is a Brazilian mine owned by Vale SA. The dam's collapse there released toxic waste that killed hundreds in 2019. The mine is now being decommissioned with the help of autonomous vehicles, sensors, and AI-based monitoring.

There's also the issue of abandoned mines, many of which had been in operation for decades and left without proper decommissioning. Some are now considered "zombie mines," dormant for years, with their cleanup seemingly impossible due to a lack of ownership, funds, and government legislation. Abandoned mines are often a ticking time bomb and a major threat to human lives and the environment.

In conclusion, closure and cleanup of mines require comprehensive collaboration and budgets far exceeding what the mining industry can provide. With the advances in technology and public-private partnerships, however, it is possible to reclaim these sites sustainably. Governments need to put more stringent regulations in place to prevent mines from being abandoned in the first place, thus reducing the long-term maintenance required. The world over, the cleanup of these mines is a significant challenge that can only be addressed through coordinated efforts from all stakeholders.