In 2020, the Global Tailings Review, composed of the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), published the new Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM). Glencore participated in the development of GISTM as a member of ICMM.
On 5 August 2020, all ICMM members, including Glencore, committed to implementing GISTM. In line with the ICMM timetable, Glencore is reporting on GISTM compliance of our tailings storage facilities (TSFs) with “very high” or “extreme” consequence classifications.
Glencore says in its report: “We have adopted a rigorous and technically robust approach to GISTM implementation that goes beyond self-assessments and includes independent third-party assurance. We welcome the greater transparency it has brought to the management of these important facilities”.
She goes on to say that she is pleased with the progress made over the past three years. This progress includes the development of a Tailings Managers Academy, the conclusion of a global agreement for satellite monitoring (InSAR), the completion of significant engineering work at a number of TSFs, the development of action plans to address identified gaps, the establishment of detailed compliance roadmaps and independent assessments by Klohn Crippen Berger (KCB), a highly regarded engineering, geosciences and environmental consultancy company specialising in tailings management. “Based on our TSP management systems and the independent third-party assessments we have in place for our ‘very high’ and ‘extreme’ consequence TSPs, we believe that any compliance gaps are identified and managed appropriately,” Glencore writes.
Glencore is one of the world’s largest diversified natural resources companies and a leading producer and trader of more than 60 commodities. It employs around 140,000 employees and contractors and has a strong footprint in more than 35 countries in both established and emerging natural resource regions. Our commercial and industrial activities are supported by a global network of more than 40 offices. Glencore’s customers are industrial consumers, particularly in the automotive, steel, power generation, battery manufacturing and oil sectors. We also provide financing, logistics and other services to commodity producers and consumers.
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