Most of the waste we generate comes from tailings and processing activities. Additional waste streams include waste rock, process water and other by-products that may contain hazardous substances or exhibit dangerous physical properties.
Waste management
The safe management of waste generated from our operations is essential to operating responsibly.
Tailings management
If not properly managed, water discharges and runoff from tailings, as well as spills, leaks or the leaching of chemical elements, can lead to environmental contamination.
PFAS and ARD management
Our operations manage risks related to Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and Acid Rock Drainage (ARD).
Operational waste streams
We aim to improve the way we define, reduce and recycle waste streams, and identify opportunities to recover resources and phase out harmful materials where possible.
We are working to refine our waste definitions to align with global sustainability reporting standards, resulting in data enhancements in our Sustainability Databook 2025.
You can find more information in our Sustainability Databook 2025 or read more about our waste work in our Annual Report 2025.
Our internal environment and climate change standard outlines requirements for our operations relating to waste and contamination. Key aspects of our approach to waste management are outlined below.
We aim to prioritise waste prevention, followed by minimisation, reuse, recycling, recovery and disposal. Disposal is to be carried out in approved facilities in line with operational procedures and relevant regulations.
Our operations are required to maintain waste registers that document the type, volume, characteristics and storage locations of waste generated, as well as how it is disposed of or recycled both on- and off-site.
These waste registers support risk identification and the implementation of safe systems for waste handling, segregation, storage, transport and disposal.
Our operations are required to implement measures that verify waste management practices comply with regulatory requirements and internal standards.
To manage contamination risks we apply the Source-Pathway-Receptor model.
This is a standard framework in environmental risk assessment to identify how contaminants can cause harm by breaking down the process into three components: A source is the origin of the contaminant, a pathway is the route it takes, and a receptor is what can be harmed.
This model helps in evaluating contamination risks and developing control measures.
Operations with contamination risks are required to maintain registers that document the location and status of known contamination.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals used in some industrial and commercial applications. Acid Rock Drainage (ARD) is acidic water rich in heavy metals which can form when encapsulated rock and soil are exposed to air and water.
Our operations are required to specifically manage risks related to PFAS and ARD. Risk assessments must outline potential exposure pathways to the environment and communities and whether any risks require active management or remediation.
Each operation applies a risk-based approach tailored to its geological and environmental context. Controls may include engineered cover systems, stormwater diversion infrastructure, dry-stack tailings storage facilities and targeted water treatment solutions.
We continue to monitor regulatory requirements related to ARD and key contaminants (including PFAS), supporting our operations to implement management plans that align with local laws and environmental standards where applicable.
