Tailings

The safe management of Tailings Storage Facilities (TSFs) is essential to protect our people, the environment and surrounding communities. 

Tailings are a by-product of the mining and refining process which remain after recoverable metals and minerals have been extracted from mined ore. Tailings are commonly in the form of a slurry (a mixture of solids and process water) and are discharged into a (TSF).

Our internal dam management standard defines minimum performance requirements for responsible dam management. Performance requirements for managing tailings-related risks include:

• Conducting risk assessments at operated TSFs and associated major projects, and commissioning independent technical reviews of design, operational performance and risks;
• Managing identified risks through our risk management system and in accordance with the consequence category of the TSF as defined by applicable regulatory requirements, guidelines and standards, including the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM);
• Regular monitoring and inspection of our TSFs, including by site-based Responsible Tailings Facility Engineers and external Engineers of Record; and
• Providing training for all employees who work with TSFs at our operations, which is tailored for the specific context of each operation.

The standard requires adherence to the technical guidelines of the GISTM, ANCOLD and/or Canadian Dam Association, depending on the jurisdiction.

For information on our progress and performance on tailings management, refer to the South32 Sustainable Development Report.