Tailings Management
Overview
The safe and responsible management of tailings and Tailings Storage Facilities (TSFs) is a critical priority and a core component of MMG’s environmental and social risk management. Our approach is guided by our Tailings Storage Facilities and Water Storage Dam Standard and aligned with global best practices, including the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM). As a member of the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM), we are committed to transparency and continuous improvement in tailings governance.
Responsible tailings management is about care, accountability, and foresight. We want our facilities to be safe and stable, communities to feel confident, and the environment to be protected. By combining strong standards, innovative technology, and open engagement, we’re delivering on that promise every day.
Our commitment
Managing tailings responsibly goes beyond meeting regulations. We lead by example, applying global best practices and continuously improving how we design, operate, and monitor our facilities. Our approach is guided by MMG’s Tailings Storage Facilities and Water Storage Dam Standard and aligned with the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM). As a member of the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM), we share knowledge and learn from others to strengthen industry performance.
Governance and accountability
Strong governance underpins our tailings management approach. MMG has established clear roles and responsibilities to ensure accountability at every level:
Responsible Tailings Facility Engineer for each TSF.
Engineer of Record (EoR) to oversee design and integrity.
Independent Technical Review Boards (ITRBs) or Senior Independent Technical Reviewers (SITRs).
Accountable Executives for corporate oversight.
Board-level governance through the Governance, Remuneration, Nomination and Sustainability (GRNS) Committee and Executive Committee.
These structures ensure rigorous oversight and compliance with GISTM principles and ICMM Performance Expectations.
Lifecycle management
Tailings management is a long-term responsibility. We apply a comprehensive approach that covers every stage of the facility’s life:
Design and planning
We start with detailed studies to select the safest location and design features that suit local conditions. This includes considering seismic activity, rainfall patterns, and downstream communities.
Construction and operation
Facilities are built to strict engineering standards and inspected regularly. During operations, we manage water levels, maintain embankments, and monitor performance to keep everything stable.
Monitoring and maintenance
We use advanced monitoring systems to track water pressure, movement, and structural integrity. If anything changes, we act quickly to address it.
Emergency preparedness
We plan for unlikely events by working with local authorities and communities on drills and response plans.
Closure and rehabilitation
When mining ends, we close and rehabilitate facilities so they remain safe and blend with the surrounding landscape.
This approach ensures that safety, environmental protection, and community considerations are integrated from project inception through to closure.
Innovation and continuous improvement
Technology is helping the Company manage tailings more effectively. We use real-time sensors to monitor water levels and structural stability, drones for visual inspections, and satellite data to track changes over time. These tools give us early warning of potential issues and help us plan maintenance before problems occur. We also explore new tailings management methods, such as thickened or filtered tailings, which reduce water content and improve stability.
Community engagement and emergency preparedness
Trust and transparency are essential. We engage with host communities, local authorities, regulators and other stakeholders to explain how our facilities work and what we’re doing to keep them safe. This includes community briefings, site visits, and joint emergency drills. We also provide clear ways for people to raise concerns and ask questions. By working together, we build confidence and ensure everyone knows what to do in the unlikely event of an emergency.
Climate risk and financial assurance
Climate change brings new challenges, such as more intense rainfall events. We factor these risks into our designs and regularly review them as conditions change. Drainage systems, spillways, and embankments are engineered to handle extreme weather, and we maintain contingency plans to keep facilities secure under all scenarios. These risks are integrated into MMG’s Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework and disclosed in line with the Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD).
Safe tailings management doesn’t end when mining stops. We set aside financial provisions for closure and long-term monitoring to make sure facilities remain secure for generations. This commitment reflects our responsibility to communities and the environment long after operations have finished.
Transparency and reporting
We are committed to open disclosure of our tailings governance practices. MMG reports in alignment with:
- GISTM disclosure requirements
- GRI 306 (Waste)
- HKEX ESG Code
- ICMM Performance Expectations
Our latest GISTM Disclosure Report provides detailed information on our TSFs and governance processes. We regularly review site-specific action plans and engage independent third parties to validate our approach, ensuring continuous improvement.
