Tailings Management
Effectively Managing Tailings as a Part of Sustainability Efforts
Tailings Management
Since the formation of NewRange in 2023, we have deployed a new team consisting of industry experts who will ensure that NewRange’s projects are on the cutting edge across all disciplines, so that Minnesotans and the nation can benefit from responsible resource development, limiting new environmental impacts and cleaning up former mine sites.
NewRange is committed to the safe, sustainable, and responsible management of Tailings Storage Facilities (TSFs) throughout their lifecycle and to local regulatory adherence and informed practices, such as implementing the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM) and achieving performance protocols established by the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM).
NewRange prioritizes operator responsibility and safety of our TSFs. The ultimate goal of tailings management is to minimize harm to affected people and the environment. This includes zero tolerance for human fatalities.
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What are tailings?
Tailings are a by-product of mining, consisting of the processed rock or soil left over from the separation of the minerals of value from the rock or soil within which they occur.
We define TSFs as specially designed and managed facilities that contain tailings. We refer to TSFs as structures comprising one or more embankments that provide a secure environment by which tailings are safely managed and stored. Typically, a TSF serves two purposes: to indefinitely store tailings and to reclaim water that can be reused in processing facilities.
Where TSFs are formed by dam(s), they are typically constructed using one of the following dam construction methods based on the primary method by which the dam is raised from its starting dam or pit: upstream, downstream, centerline, or in-pit. In some cases, a hybrid of these methods may be applied.
What is the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management?
In August 2020, the first global standard for tailings management, the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM), was launched jointly by the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM), the United Nations Environment Programme and the Principles for Responsible Investment organization. The standard sets a high benchmark for improving the safe management of tailings facilities and supports the ultimate goal of zero harm.
The GISTM comprises six topic areas supported by 15 Principles and 77 requirements (as defined in the GISTM glossary) summarized in the figure below that apply to TSFs that are not closed tailings facilities in a demonstrated state of safe closure, as defined by the GISTM.
Understanding GISTM Reporting
NewRange owns an existing taconite tailings TSF, dating back from operations of LTV Steel Mining Company. NewRange is working to make the existing LTV TSF becomes the first GISTM compliant project in Minnesota. The August 2025 TSF Disclosure Report outlines the initial steps NewRange has taken to ensure the existing LTV TSF becomes GISTM compliant.
Key takeaways include:
- The Disclosure Report reaffirms, first and foremost, the continued stability of the existing LTV TSF, which has been confirmed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Regular monitoring of the facility, by both internal experts and independent third parties, and current data confirms it remains safe to the public.
- Based on NewRange’s most recent dam breach assessment (2025), the consequence classification of the existing LTV TSF is ‘High’ on the following GISTM scale: low, significant, high, very high, extreme. This consequence classification is similar to the dam hazard classification issued by the Minnesota DNR for the LTV TSF of ‘Significant,’ following the scale: low, significant, high. NewRange reviews these classifications on a regular basis. Consequence classification should not be confused with risk, as risk also involves considering the likelihood of an event occurring. To understand the risk a tailings facility presents, both the likelihood of a potential failure event and its consequence must be evaluated, which is done through NewRange’s risk assessment process. An appropriately designed and managed facility takes into account all credible failure modes and builds sufficient resilience against each.
- While the existing LTV TSF is not yet fully GISTM conformant, we have made substantial progress and are actively implementing the remaining requirements. Our internal assessments have identified areas where further work is needed, and we have developed an action plan to achieve full conformance.
As we move forward, our priority is to engage respectfully and transparently with local communities and Tribal Nations. We welcome the opportunity to work together to ensure that tailings management reflects shared values around environmental protection, community safety, and long term sustainability.
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GISTM Disclosure
Accountability
Our policies are designed to support our Values and Code of Ethics and reflect what is important to us. We take breaches of our policies seriously. Depending on the severity of the breach, consequences may range from a warning to termination of employment or termination of contractual relationships.