Tailings management at Gold Fields

Gold Fields is committed to the responsible stewardship of tailings as part of our broader goal to enable a sustainable future. As a member of the International Council of Metals and Mining (ICMM), we support raising global standards for the safe, ethical, and environmentally sound management of tailings.

Our approach

Tailings are the mineral waste by-products of ore processing. Managing them safely - during operation and long after mining ceases - is a critical part of our responsibility to people, the environment, and future generations.

At Gold Fields, tailings management is integrated into the full lifecycle of a mine, from early feasibility through to closure and post-closure.

Our approach includes both:

• Technical systems: Design, construction, deposition, monitoring, and closure of the tailings storage facility (TSF)
• Governance systems: Oversight, risk management, and assurance processes to reduce the likelihood of failure

These systems are interconnected and jointly determine the safety and performance of each facility.

Why it matters

Tailings facilities are complex engineered structures. Their performance depends on:

• The nature of the orebody
• The processing technology used
• The asset's geological and hydrological context
• The design, maintenance, and monitoring systems in place
• The strength of governance and accountability frameworks

Failure to manage any of these elements effectively can lead to significant social, environmental, and economic impacts. That's why we take a risk-informed, lifecycle-based approach aligned with international best practices, including the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM).