Position Statements : Tailings Governance
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This position statement sets out ICMM members’ approach to the governance of tailings storage facilities (TSFs) for the mining and metals industry to minimise the risk of catastrophic failure of tailings facilities.
Tailings storage facilities at all our operations meet or exceed regulatory requirements, and we work to continually improve the management of these facilities. Planning, design, construction, operation, decommissioning and closure are carried out in a manner such that:
We have comprehensive systems and procedures in place for the safe operation and monitoring of tailings facilities that follow best practices, organized around interrelated activities that include:
Each facility also has a detailed Operations, Maintenance and Surveillance (OMS) manual and Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan, both of which are regularly updated. We maintain site-specific Tailings Management Systems that conform to or exceed industry standards of practice, that demonstrate responsibility and leadership through the commitment and actions of our employees, and that are developed through consultation with communities. We continually review our facilities and procedures and are committed to maintaining the highest standard of safety at our operations.
Antamina and Fort Hills, joint venture operations where Teck is not the operator, both have Tailings Review Boards in place as well. Teck also provides senior experts to Antamina’s Tailings Technical Committee.
Teck has a Tailings and Water Retaining Structures Policy and associated guidance documentation that provide a consistent company-wide approach to how we manage the risks inherent with tailings. In addition, Teck has a companion Tailings Governance document that provides clear guidance on roles and responsibilities related to tailings management across all Teck projects, operations and legacy properties. Teck’s Health, Safety, Environment and Community (HSEC) Management Standards also include general guidance on tailings and mine waste management. These management standards, the associated guidance documents, and our adherence to them, are overseen by the Safety and Sustainability Committee of the Board.
Our work in this area is externally verified by an independent third-party every year. Learn more in our sustainability report.