The Cavern Closure Consortium (CCC) is a collaborative research initiative focused on the safe, permanent closure and post-closure management of large subsurface caverns created by solution mining and underground storage, including salt caverns relevant to the chemical value chain.
CCC brings together industrial operators, academic and applied research institutes, and public authorities to investigate geomechanics and cavern stability, well integrity, pressure and fluid behavior, subsidence, and environmental monitoring. The consortium develops evidence-based methods and guidelines to design and execute closure plans, reduce risk, and protect surrounding communities and ecosystems. Its work supports regulators and operators with data and best practices for lifecycle management of caverns that supply or store key inputs for chemical production.
Approval extends salt extraction in Zuidwending to 2035, ensuring supply for chemical industry and supporting transition to new sites. Research on cavern closure continues.
