Tailings
Tailings are the fine-grained sandy material that remains after mined rock has been ground and the metals have been extracted.
Global expertise locally applied
Tailings are deposited in engineered structures known as Tailings Storage Facilities (“TSFs”), specifically designed, constructed, operated, and ultimately closed with safety and environmental considerations at the forefront of all decisions and practices.
Our TSFs are designed and peer reviewed by experienced Certified Professional Engineers. Importantly, local conditions such as climate, seismicity, geology, hydrogeology and environmental legislation are considered in the design and operation of our TSFs. The designs conform to International Commission on Large Dams (“ICOLD”) bulletins and seek to align with recognized industry good practice. Depending on their location, the TSFs also align with detailed regional or national tailings industry guidelines, for example, the Australian National Committee on Large Dams (“ANCOLD”), the Canada Dam Association (“CDA”) or European Union Legislative Directives.
KEY METRICS
Tailings management during preservation
Following the unscheduled stop of production at Cobre Panamá, we continue to ensure the long-term safety and environmental integrity of the site, including its TSF. This includes maintaining geotechnical stability and erosion management of the TSF embankment, ensuring risk controls remain effective, and continuing with regular site inspections by internationally recognized TSF experts.
“First Quantum’s approach is to take ownership, be meticulous and adopt conservatism in the design, management and construction of our Tailings Storage Facilities.
Tristan Pascall,
CEO, First Quantum
“The Company sees value in the performance aspects of the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (“GISTM”) and has aligned its operations accordingly.”
Andrew Hester,
Group Environment Manager, First Quantum
Robust operating practices
We typically commence our TSFs by constructing an engineered earthfill starter embankment. Once filled, we raise or expand the facility using upstream, downstream or centerline methods. The specific method of construction is selected based on the site, its seismic risk, topography, the materials available for construction and the characteristics of the tailings themselves. Our operating practices include peer review and oversight by recognized specialists. We aim to empower our site personnel to be responsible and accountable for the stability and performance of their TSF, whilst supporting them through learning and development, engaging specialists where needed, and having performance measurements and oversight in place. This typically involves different levels of oversight and control:
Level 1
Operational controls, inspections and monitoring by qualified site personnel
Level 2
Regular inspection, review and reporting on each TSF by recognized independent experts
Level 3
Design and operational guidance by engineer of record and designer of record
Level 4
Technical and operational review of each TSF by leading global experts along with risk oversight by First Quantum Group technical personnel
Level 5
The First Quantum Board through the EHS & CSR Committee
We care for the places where we work
Our drive to operate and manage our TSFs to global standards also applies to the way in which we plan and manage further afield to ensure minimal impact on surrounding water systems and preparedness for climate change.
Water
Climate change
Waste
We care for the people where we work
We work hard to improve the lives of the people in the communities where we work. Our efforts are focused on four key areas: health, infrastructure, livelihoods and education. We work with local leaders and governments to find the projects where our expertise and funding will have the biggest impact, so that we are providing the help that is needed.
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