Raw Materials and Waste

We require several non-renewable inputs and supplies in the production processes, generating waste, such as:

Impurities in the mineral ore extracted from the earth

Tailings produced in the beneficiation of metallic minerals

Grease from furnaces, slag and jarosite from metallurgical processes

Dolomite powders, lime ash and plaster from chemical processes

We strive to reduce waste generation through

Internal valuation alternatives

External alternatives for recycling

To learn more, see our Waste Disposal Tables.

When waste materials can no longer be used, we confine then safely in compliance with current regulations.

Tailings deposits

Tailings are:

Residues that are technically or economically unviable to process, confined to deposits.

These are the product of:

The separation of valuable minerals

To strengthen operational standards, our governance and alignment with best practices, in 2019 we implemented a new management process for tailing dams based on standards and guidelines issued by:

The International Commission of Large Dams (ICOLD)
The Canadian Dam Association (CDA)
The Canadian Mining Association (MAC)
The International Mining and Metals Council (ICMM)

Our Governance framework includes:

Site management
A tailings management and stewardship team
External reviews:
- Independent Tailings Review Panel
- Dam safety inspections
- Dam safety reviews
Group-level oversight, through the Tailings Storage Facilities Review Committee

Safety controls and standards

Physical inspections

Water level monitoring

Topographic controls

Geotechnical studies

Hydraulic infrastructure studies

Slope stability analysis

Peñoles and Fresnillo plc have 12 active tailings storage facilities and 34 inactive.

See our guidelines for Tailings Management System for Peñoles and Fresnillo plc.

To learn more, download our Sustainable Development Report.