Freeport Successfully Implements Global Standard on Tailings Management

October 29, 2025 - Freeport has implemented the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management, the international benchmark launched in August 2020 to ensure the protection of people and the environment.

Freeport committed to having all applicable tailings storage facilities (TSFs) meet the tailings standard by August 2025. The company’s achievement of full conformance within the committed time frame was independently verified by an independent third party. This additional verification confirms conformance with the standard, which requires operators of TSFs to use specified measures to help prevent the failure of tailings facilities.

“Freeport has continuously improved our TSF engineering practices and management over the past 20 years,” said Tamara Johndrow, Director-Tailings, Crushed Leach and Water. “Since the tailings standard launch five years ago, our multi-disciplinary team has integrated its requirements into our existing management systems, and we are proud of our accomplishments with facility-level conformance. Safe and responsible management of our tailings facilities is an ongoing priority for Freeport.”

The tailings standard was developed through an independent chairperson and expert panel with input from multiple stakeholders, including industry, investors, government and public consultation. It is the first global framework for tailings management, applicable to both existing and future TSFs until they reach safe closure. The goal is to ensure zero harm to people or the environment.

The tailings standard includes 77 specific requirements across six topic areas including community engagement, technical expertise, emergency management, responsible governance and public disclosure of information to support accountability.

Freeport has a long-standing tailings management system that includes methods to systematically analyze potential failure modes, then work to eliminate or mitigate them to minimize the risk of failure of storage facilities throughout the TSF lifecycle. The company’s tailings management system incorporates applicable regulations and international best practices, including the tailings standard. 

Photos: The tailings storage facilities at the company’s Bagdad, Arizona, site are among those covered by Freeport’s conformance with the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management; Freeport applies the tailings standard at all relevant tailings storage facilities, including Cerro Verde’s Linga tailings storage facility in Peru.