Waste Management

MMG is committed to managing both mineral and non-mineral waste responsibly across all operations. Waste management is a key component of our environmental stewardship and closure planning strategy, and we work hard to constantly improve our processes to encourage efficiency and reduce waste. 

Mineral Waste Management 

Our mining and processing activities generate significant quantities of mineral waste, primarily: 

  • Waste Rock: Extracted during the mining process 
  • Tailings: Residue left after processing minerals with water 

Some mineral waste is chemically reactive and may generate acid and metalliferous drainage (AMD) if not properly managed. To mitigate this risk, MMG implements comprehensive control plans that include: 

  • Geochemical characterisation of waste materials 
  • Engineered landforms with drainage controls 
  • Progressive rehabilitation of waste rock dumps 

In 2024: 

  •  AMD risk assessments were updated at Las Bambas and Rosebery 
  • Waste rock was reused as backfill at Kinsevere and Dugald River 
  • Safely managed over 329,810 cubic metres of tailings across 8 active Tailings Storage Facilities (TSFs) 

Our goal is to minimise the volume of surface waste rock landforms at closure. Recent waste rock dumps are designed with closure in mind, incorporating slope stability, erosion control, and revegetation strategies. 

Non-Mineral Waste Management 

MMG also manages non-mineral waste streams, including: 

  • Hazardous waste: Oils, chemicals, batteries 
  • General waste: Packaging, food waste, scrap materials 
  • Recyclables: Plastics, metals, paper 
  •  Our non-mineral waste management practices include:  
    • Waste characterisation and segregation to reduce cross-contamination and facilitate appropriate disposal or recovery. 
    • Tracking and reporting of waste volumes and types to monitor performance and identify opportunities for improvement. 
    • Licensed transport and disposal of general and hazardous waste 
    • Onsite waste management facility design, operation, and closure planning 
    • Compliance with local and national regulations 

In 2024: 

  • MMG achieved >90% compliance with internal waste handling KPIs 
  • Recycling programs were expanded at Las Bambas and Kinsevere 
  • Waste audits were conducted at all sites to identify reduction opportunities 
  • In 2024, MMG generated 21,818.22 tonnes of non-mineral waste, with 62% diverted from landfill through recycling, reuse, or treatment initiatives. 
  • Las Bambas began a pilot project to trial composting techniques for our food waste on site 

Circular Economy and Innovation 

MMG is exploring opportunities to reduce waste and enhance resource efficiency through: 

  • Tailings reprocessing for metal recovery 
  • Reusing water from tailings dams 
  • Waste rock repurposing for construction, rehabilitation and closure 
  • Digital tracking systems for waste volumes and destinations 

These initiatives support our alignment with IFRS S2, GRI 306, and the ICMM Socio-Economic Reporting Framework, and contribute to our broader climate and nature strategies. 

Targets and Performance Metrics 

MMG is committed to further improving its waste reduction efforts across our operations. As part of this, we are currently exploring and developing site-level and group-wide targets for: 

  • Waste reduction, measured in tonnes per thousand tonnes of ore processed 
  • Hazardous waste minimisation, with initiatives focused on improved segregation and treatment 

These targets will be disclosed once approved through our internal processes.  

Governance and Assurance 

Waste management performance is overseen by site-level SSHE teams and reviewed quarterly by the Executive Committee. Selected waste data is externally assured under ISAE 3000 and disclosed in our Sustainability Report and ESG Databook. 

Our approach is embedded in our SSHE Performance Standard and aligned with global frameworks including GRI 306 (Waste), HKEX ESG Code, ICMM Performance Expectations, and IFRS S1/S2. 

We also engage regularly with communities and national regulators on waste-related issues, including: 

  • Community education programs on waste segregation and recycling 
  • Stakeholder input on waste facility design and closure 
  • Grievance mechanisms for waste-related concerns 
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