Water Management

Water is a critical resource for MMG’s operations, for our local communities, rightsholders and the ecosystems in which we operate. We are committed to responsible water stewardship that supports operational efficiency, environmental protection, and community wellbeing. 

Governance and Strategy 

MMG’s water management strategy is guided by the ICMM Position Statement on Water Stewardship and includes: 

  • Catchment-based water planning 
  • Transparent water governance 
  • Stakeholder engagement with communities and regulators 
  • Site-specific water targets based on local risk and availability 

Water-related risks and opportunities are integrated into our enterprise risk management (ERM) framework and disclosed in line with TCFD and IFRS S2. Oversight is provided by site-level SSHE teams and the Executive Committee, with performance reviewed quarterly. 

Water Use and Efficiency 

We monitor and manage water inputs, outputs, and diversions in accordance with the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) Water Accounting Framework. In 2024: 

  • MMG reported an increase in water recycling and reuse across its operations, particularly at Las Bambas, Kinsevere and Dugald River 
  • Zero operations were located in areas of high-water risk (as defined by WRI Aqueduct) 

MMG does not use seawater at any of its operations. Where water stress is a potential risk, such as at Khoemacau or Dugald River, water procurement is made in a sustainable way, ensuring no impact on local supply during drought conditions. 

Water Quality and Discharge 

We actively monitor the quality of water discharged from our operations to ensure compliance with regulatory and internal standards. Our water quality management includes: 

  • Real-time monitoring of discharge points 
  • Water treatment systems 
  • Surface and groundwater monitoring in surrounding catchments 

In 2024, no significant water-related incidents were reported. 

Targets and Performance Metrics 

We acknowledge that we operate in jurisdictions where access to water is a significant issue for local rightsholders, and we understand the importance of caring for an important shared resource. MMG is developing site-level and group-wide targets for: 

  • Reducing total freshwater withdrawal 
  • Increasing water recycling and reuse rates 
  • Improving discharge water quality 

We will disclose these targets once they have been developed. Performance is tracked through our ESG Databook and disclosed in our Sustainability Report. 

Community and Ecosystem Engagement 

We collaborate with local communities, rightsholders and regulators to ensure shared water use is sustainable and equitable. This includes: 

  • Community water access programs 
  • Catchment-level water planning with local authorities 
  • Grievance mechanisms for water-related concerns 

In 2024, MMG conducted over 30 water-related stakeholder engagements, including participatory water monitoring at Las Bambas and Kinsevere. We also monitor ecosystem health indicators such as aquatic biodiversity and riparian vegetation. 

Innovation and Circular Water Use 

MMG is investing in technologies and practices to improve water efficiency and reduce dependency on freshwater sources: 

  • Closed-loop water systems in processing plants 
  • Remote sensing for catchment monitoring 
  • AI-driven analytics for water use optimisation 

These initiatives support our alignment with IFRS S2, GRI 303, and the ICMM Socio-Economic Reporting Framework, and contribute to our broader climate and nature strategies. 

Assurance and Transparency 

Selected water data is externally assured under ISAE 3000. MMG is exploring alignment with ISO 14046 (Water Footprint) to further enhance transparency and comparability. 

Our approach to water management is embedded in our SSHE Performance Standard and aligned with global frameworks, including GRI 303 (Water and Effluents), HKEX ESG Code, ICMM Performance Expectations, and IFRS S2. 

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