Dr. Peter Whitbread-Abrutat

Founder & Director Future Terrains International

Pete is the founder and director of his niche consulting organisation, Future Terrains International. As a mining-environmental and sustainability specialist working closely with the industry, he draws on over 30 years’ experience in mining-ESG and mine closure/ transition, and international development, in developing and conflict-affected countries. 

Pete is an IEMA Lead Environmental Auditor, a Chartered Environmentalist and an Eden Project Associate. He is the co-author of the recently published book, 102 Things to Do with a Hole in the Ground, which he also conceived, developed and project managed. The book aims to stimulate more progressive thinking around mine closure/ transition. 

Pete was deeply involved in the early days of the Eden Project’s creation where he was instrumental in developing Eden’s engagement with the mining industry, which led – amongst other things – to the 2009 book 101 Things to Do with a Hole in the Ground! 

He earned his PhD from the Camborne School of Mines (University of Exeter) in revegetating mine wastes in the 1990s, and holds a Natural Sciences degree from the University of Cambridge. He is also a Churchill Fellow for his 2011 travelling research project, Exploring World Class Landscape Restoration.