Tailings and Waste Rock
Large quantities of tailings and waste rock are generated in mining and processing operations. We place strict controls on tailings management, heap leach processing and waste rock stockpile construction. Where possible, opportunities for backfilling and reuse are utilised.
We will not commit to a new mining project that disposes of waste rock or tailings into a river. This position does not apply to the disposal of waste rock and tailings materials in conventional waste rock dumps or tailings dams, which may be constructed within the catchment of a river system where such structures are designed to retain and store the waste materials. It also does not apply to the discharge of water from tailings dams or waste rock dumps that is of a quality acceptable for downstream beneficial uses.
In addition, we have decided not to pursue Deep Sea Tailing Placement (DSTP) as a potential tailing disposal option for any of our current prospects. We also believe that, given the very specific circumstances where DSTP could be considered appropriate, it is unlikely that the technology will be pursued in any of our future developments.
A summary of the activities relating to tailings and waste rock for the reporting period can be read in Our Performance: Resource Use.
