At Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (FCX), the health and safety of our workforce, host communities and the environment are fundamental to our business and, in particular, our tailings management system and approach. FCX is committed to transparency by ensuring relevant information regarding Tailings Storage Facilities (TSFs) at our operations is readily available through public disclosures and active engagement with stakeholders.
WHY TAILINGS MANAGEMENT MATTERS
Effective and responsible tailings management is critical to mining safely, protecting people and the environment, and maintaining social license to operate. We strive to continuously manage, enhance, and innovate our tailings system in a manner that minimizes impacts to stakeholders and the environment. We recognize the potential failure of a TSF at any of our mining operations could cause severe or catastrophic damage that could result in loss of life, property damage or environmental harm. Using appropriate management approaches and technologies, we operate with a bias for action by quickly identifying and addressing issues to prevent and mitigate potential impacts at our TSFs.
The health and safety of our workforce and host communities and the protection of the environment are fundamental to our extensive tailings management system and approach. Our objective is to have zero fatalities, zero catastrophic failures and zero unplanned discharges from any of our TSFs.
Our Tailings Management Policy outlines our continued commitment to managing our tailings responsibly and effectively across our sites globally and includes our commitment to implement the Tailings Standard at applicable TSFs. This policy is intended to be implemented in conjunction with our Environmental, Human Rights and Social Performance policies and associated management systems.
OUR TAILINGS MANAGEMENT JOURNEY TO DATE
FCX established a Tailings Stewardship Program, which, over the last 20 years, has evolved into our comprehensive Tailings Management System (TMS). Our TMS, led by our expert team of tailings professionals, includes specific programs to address the various aspects of TSFs – over all phases of the TSF lifecycle – while promoting continuous improvement. Through our TMS, we systematically seek to identify and analyze, then eliminate or mitigate failure modes, to minimize the risk of failure scenarios associated with our TSFs. The TMS incorporates applicable regulations and international best practices.
FCX has comprehensive measures in place to help ensure our TSFs are designed, built, operated, closed, and monitored to minimize risk. The TMS comprises specific programs to address aspects of tailings planning, design, operation, maintenance, surveillance, and risk management over the TSF lifecycle. Although there is some overlap among the categories, our safeguards generally fall within four categories: 1) Engineering practices and safe designs 2) Adherence to construction and operational parameters through monitoring and use of technology 3) Multi-tiered oversight and 4) Adherence to practices grounded in continuous improvement and learning from past experiences, including industry failures and best practices.
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE GLOBAL INDUSTRY STANDARD ON TAILINGS MANAGEMENT
In 2020, FCX supported development of and committed to working towards implementation of the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (Tailings Standard). The Tailings Standard was developed through an independent, multi-stakeholder process co-convened by the ICMM, United Nations Environment Programme, and the Principles for Responsible Investment. The Tailings Standard requires mining operators to take responsibility and prioritize the safety of TSFs through all phases of the facility’s lifecycle and strives for zero harm to people and the environment. The Tailings Standard includes 77 requirements across six key areas – design, construction, operation and monitoring of tailings facilities, management and governance, use of integrated multi-disciplinary knowledge, engaging with affected stakeholders, emergency response and long-term recovery, and public disclosure. FCX also played a leadership role in the development of the Conformance Protocols for the Tailings Standard and the ICMM Tailings Management Good Practice Guide.
Since the Tailings Standard was established in 2020, we worked to integrate the Tailings Standard within our existing systems. For example, we enhanced our multi-disciplinary collaboration and integration of our management systems. We also refined our risk assessment process and conducted gap-filling studies across our TSFs to enhance the knowledge base used for our risk assessments.
As a member of the International Council on Metals and Mining, FCX implemented the Tailings Standard for all TSFs with Extreme or Very High potential consequences based on credible failure modes by August 2023 and is committed to implement the Tailings Standards by August 2025 for all other TSFs that have not been deemed Safely Closed. As part of our Tailings Standard conformance, we have been reviewing our Closed TSFs to determine which are ready to be deemed Safely Closed as defined by the Tailings Standard. For a TSF to be designated as Safely Closed, FCX conducts an internal review, including a suite of detailed technical evaluations, which are supported by multidisciplinary team risk assessments. The designation must be approved by the appropriate Accountable Executive (AE) and confirmed by the Independent Tailings Review Board (ITRB).
CONSEQUENCE CLASSIFICATIONS FOR OUR TAILINGS STORAGE FACILTIES
To determine the consequence classification for our TSFs, FCX conducts risk assessments. TSF risk assessments include risk identification, analysis (including consequence classification) and evaluation used to determine which measures are, or should be, in place to eliminate or minimize risk.
The risk assessment focuses on potential physical failures of each of the TSFs, which may include instability, slope failures, excessive slope erosion, overtopping of the impoundment and internal erosion. For the purposes of the assessment, FCX defines a TSF failure as the unintended loss of the structural containment where the tailings and water released could be impactful.
During the risk assessment process, a multidisciplinary team reviews TSF-specific detailed data and engineering analysis, expertise from team members, case histories, and regulatory data to identify how a TSF failure may occur and what factors exist that make the potentially credible failure mode more or less likely (considering the site-specific knowledge base, existing robust controls and uncertainties), and ultimately determine which are credible failure scenarios. A credible failure scenario comprises of a credible failure mode (CFM) and an associated consequence that is technically feasible considering analysis and expert opinion on a minimum threshold of possibility of occurrence during a structured analysis process.
The credible failure scenarios are then used to create a TSF consequence classification, as defined by the Tailings Standard. The TSF consequence classification is based on downstream conditions and potential impacts of CFMs, including incremental losses to Population at Risk, potential loss of life, environmental impacts, health / social / cultural impacts, and infrastructure and economic impacts.
FCX integrates our value of safety into our tailings programs by taking a conservative approach to consequence classification (see diagram below for additional detail). Our definitions for consequence classification align with the Tailings Standard except as outlined below:
- If there is one or more permanent Population at Risk – including the public, employees, or contractors – the CFM is classified as Extreme. In contrast, the Tailings Standard considers Population at Risk greater than 1,000 people to be classified as Extreme.
- If there is no permanent Population at Risk, but there is a transient Population at Risk, the minimum consequence classification is Significant.
- Other metrics (as defined in the Tailings Standard for environmental and health; social and culture; and infrastructure and economics help further determine the consequence classification.)
Regardless of the TSF consequence classification, all of FCX’s Active TSFs and New TSFs are designed, analyzed and operated using Extreme loading criteria. Design criteria for Inactive, Closed, and Safely Closed TSFs are informed by the Extreme loading criteria and assigned using the As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP) principle.
In accordance with the Tailings Standard, FCX’s updated consequence classification approach now incorporates each TSF’s detailed information and analyses that have been enhanced over the past few years to reduce uncertainties as well as incorporate expert opinions on thresholds for CFMs. FCX’s subsidiaries have been evaluating consequence classifications based on this updated approach, beginning with TSFs that were previously classified as Extreme or Very High based on hypothetical failure.
Information about site-specific classifications can be found in FCX’s disclosures.
About Tailings and Tailings Storage Facilities
Overview of Tailings and Tailings Storage Facilities
Tailings are the finely ground rock particles left after copper or other minerals have been processed and extracted from the mined ore. Tailings cannot be put back into their original form, so TSFs are necessary to secure them safely and responsibly. A TSF is a structure made of one or more embankments, that provide a secure environment to keep tailings indefinitely.
TSFs have two main purposes:
- To indefinitely store the tailings safely and responsibly
- To reclaim water that can be reused in plant processing facilities
Designing and Constructing Tailings Storage Facilities
TSFs are uniquely engineered structures, with embankments often constructed from the tailings material itself. The process to design and build TSFs is a robust one that considers various factors and requires engagement with numerous stakeholders, partners, independent reviewers, and regulatory agencies. Factors include site conditions such as geology, topography, climate, hydrology, hydrogeology, seismicity, and the material being used for construction – in addition to social, community, and environmental factors. These factors are evaluated to determine the most appropriate site before undergoing a rigorous permitting process. There is no “one size fits all” design approach.
Our goal is to safely contain the tailings under any and all circumstances and throughout a TSF’s entire lifecycle; we take this responsibility seriously and strive to ensure all our TSFs meet or exceed governing standards. Freeport has a demonstrated track record of developing and constructing resilient TSFs, considering site-specific conditions to help ensure the safety and longevity of each facility.
There are three types of embankments – upstream, centerline, and downstream. FCX owns and operates TSFs with all three embankment types, though the majority have upstream embankments.
Upstream Tailings Storage Facilities
Upstream construction begins with an initial embankment, which is constructed at the toe of the facility area and then discharged to form a tailings beach and structural zone. The deposited tailings drain and compact, becoming the foundation for subsequent levels as new tailings are added and the embankment is raised. Upstream TSFs must be raised slowly over time to allow the solid tailings to dry and consolidate enough to support a new level of the embankment.
Centerline Tailings Storage Facilities
In centerline construction, the facility is raised vertically from the initial embankment. The embankment crest remains fixed relative to upstream and downstream directions as the facility is sequentially raised. Unlike the upstream TSFs, the wall of a centerline TSF does not use beached tailings to support its foundation.
Downstream Tailings Storage Facilities
Downstream designs start with an initial embankment similar to the other two construction methods. Tailings are then discharged into the facility and as the embankment is raised, each new wall is constructed and supported on top of the downstream slope of the previous section, so the crest moves downstream with each raise.
To learn more, please see our 2023 ANNUAL REPORT ON SUSTAINABILITY
Responsible Management of Tailings Storage Facilities
FCX’s Commitment to Safety
The health and safety of our workforce, host communities, and the protection of the environment are fundamental to our extensive tailings management program and approach. Our objective is to have zero fatalities, zero catastrophic failures, and zero unplanned discharges from any of our TSFs.
Our Tailings Management System
FCX has comprehensive measures in place to ensure our facilities are designed, built, operated, closed, and monitored to minimize risk to employees, host communities, and the environment.
The TMS comprises specific programs to address aspects of tailings planning, design, operation, maintenance, surveillance, and risk management over the TSF lifecycle. Although there is some overlap among the categories, our safeguards generally fall within four categories:
Good engineering practices and safe designs
Rigorous adherence to construction and operational parameters through monitoring and use of technology
Multi-tiered internal and external oversight
Adherence to practices grounded in continuous improvements and learnings from past experiences, including industry failures and best practices.
Governance
FCX’s programs and safeguards are implemented effectively through the promotion of open and ongoing communication throughout our organization and with a bias for action at all levels.
We remain focused on the safe execution of our TMS by maintaining robust, multi-tiered governance of our tailings programs, which involves appropriately qualified personnel with clearly defined roles, responsibilities and accountabilities. There are multiple layers of assurance we apply to all TSFs: site-level implementation, functional accountability, third-party review, and board and executive leadership oversight.
Key Roles in Governance Structure
Site-level Implementation
- Site Tailings Management, Engineers, and Operators: Internal team that implements the management program and regularly monitors, identifies, and addresses potential risks.
- Responsible Tailings Facility Engineer (RTFE): Internal engineer appointed by Accountable Executives responsible for the integrity of assigned TSFs. RTFE provides technical expertise, manages risk, and liaises with the EoR. Corporate discipline experts provide regular support to RTFEs.
- Engineer of Record (EoR): External engineer who provides expert design and engineering analysis, technical support, inspection, review, and guidance to support an RTFE in achieving design intent of their assigned TSF.
Functional Accountability and Responsibilities
- Accountable Executive (AE): Chief Operating Officer who reports directly to the CEO and is accountable for the safe management of TSFs and for minimizing the social and environmental consequences of any TSF failure.
- Tailings and Water Director: Oversees RTFE activities and has delegated responsibilities from the AE for engaging with and reviewing the site-implementation of TMS activities.
Third-Party Review
- Independent Tailings Review Board (ITRB): Third-party, internationally known expert panels who provide independent opinions and guidance on the physical integrity, safety, and performance of TSFs and have access to corporate senior leadership. Members have decades of experience in applicable disciplines.
- Tailings Stewardship Team (TST): Third-party professional engineers who have not been directly involved with the design or operation of the TSFs and internal experts who inspect all TSFs, review documents and monitoring data, identify potential deficiencies, and recommend corrective actions.
- Tailings Management System (TMS) Implementation Assessment Consultant: An external assessor with sufficient knowledge and understanding of the TMS to assess the efficacy of the TMS applied at a site-specific level, including key tasks, roles and responsibilities, and associated governance structure to support proper management and operation of the TSFs, and structural integrity.
Board and Executive Leadership Oversight
- Corporate Senior Leadership: Executive leadership that participates in major decisions related to the tailings management program, including allocation of resources for TSF-related operations, initiatives, and projects.
- Board: Corporate governing body firmly committed to providing the necessary financial and technical resources to maintain the safety and integrity of our TMS globally, with a focus on risk management and continuous improvement. The AE regularly reports to the Corporate Responsibility Committee of the Board of Directors on matters related to the Tailings Management Policy including implementation of the Tailings Standard.
Risk Informed Decision Making
Risk informed decision making (RIDM) is a critical and integral part of how we design, build, and operate our TSFs. By understanding and assessing the risks associated with a TSF, we can more effectively protect our people, host communities, and the environment.
RIDM is informed by the Tailings Standard and consists of three primary elements:
Risk Assessment
A risk assessment for a TSF entails identifying, analyzing, and evaluating risks to determine both their potential consequences and likelihood, enables prioritization, and helps determine risk management options.
We assess what is needed to keep TSFs running safely as well as how to adapt to future conditions across all phases of the lifecycle, including evaluating changes in seismicity, climate, material characterization, ore variability, and processing throughput, as well as land use and the needs of neighboring communities.
The risk assessment also considers credible failure scenarios across all phases of the TSF lifecycle and identifies ways to minimize the related risks, with an integrated team regularly conducting detailed technical, operational, social, and environmental analyses.
Risk Management
Using the learnings from the risk assessment, our expert teams use engineering and operational controls to prevent, minimize and/or mitigate risks. These controls include an ongoing focus on quality engineering design, construction, and operating discipline. Additionally, a critical part of mitigating risk is openly engaging with our host communities and external authorities to maintain a shared state of readiness through robust emergency preparedness and response planning.
Surveillance and Review
Risks and controls are reviewed periodically, including where there are high-potential events or changes in the external environment, to evaluate performance. In addition to our site engineers and operators, and our Engineer of Record(s), our Tailings Stewardship Team, which comprises third-party engineers and internal experts, physically inspects all our TSFs and reviews associated documents and monitoring data. Through this work, the team recommends actions to reinforce the safety of our TSFs. In addition, our Independent Tailings Review Board provides technical guidance on the physical integrity, safety and performance of our TSFs and associated management systems.
These three processes are underpinned by a culture of transparency, collaboration, and meaningful dialogue with the primary goal of fostering mutual understanding, trust, and cooperation.
To learn more, please see our Tailings Management Policy
TSF Disclosures and Independent Verification
FCX’s Longstanding Commitment to Transparency
Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (FCX) is committed to transparency by ensuring relevant information regarding Tailings Storage Facilities (TSFs) at our operations is readily available through public disclosures and active engagement with stakeholders.
We publish and regularly update information on TSF management, implementation of our tailings governance framework, and our policies, standards and approaches to the planning, design, construction, operation, monitoring, maintenance, closure and post-closure of tailings facilities in alignment with the Tailings Standard.
Monitoring our TSFs is an ongoing process and disclosures will be updated as needed.
FCX’s Disclosures
- Disclosure Report and Independent Verification summary for sites with Extreme or Very High TSFs:
- Disclosure Report and Independent Verification summary for sites with High, Significant, Low TSFs that have fully implemented the Tailings Standard:
- Bagdad: Disclosure Report (Independent Verification Summary pending)
- Cerro Verde: Disclosure Report / Independent Verification Summary
- Climax: Disclosure Report (Independent Verification Summary pending)
- Henderson: Disclosure Report / Independent Verification Summary
- Sierrita: Disclosure Report (Independent Verification Summary pending)
- Site Specific Tailings Management information on all TSFs
- Morenci: A Guide To Tailings Storage Facilities - Important safety information for neighbors and community.
To learn more, please see our 2023 ANNUAL REPORT ON SUSTAINABILITY
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