Rapid expansion of both the number and scale of global mining operations during the last 50 years has presented myriad challenges related to Mine Closure. The last 25 years in particular have seen the emergence and evolution of a new professional practice area concerned with avoiding and mitigating the long-term risks associated with mining projects generally, and mine waste facilities in particular. The trajectory of the sector and the maturity of the practice area continues to develop. The scope of this paper is to examine some of the key themes that are expected to influence the mining industry over the next 25 years and predict how these might affect management of these long-term risks. The paper concludes with some key advice to resource industry professionals charged with coordinating Mine Closure programs.