Management of mine sites and tailings facilities

What is a TSF?

Tailings are a by-product of mining, consisting of the processed rock or soil left over from the separation of the commodities of value from the rock or soil within which they occur. 

We define TSFs as specially designed and managed facilities that contain the tailings produced by metallurgical processes at mines, concentrators or smelters (if they have a credible flow failure mode). We refer to TSFs as those facilities on the surface or in open pit mines where the combined water and solids volume is more than 30,000m3 or are at least 2.5 metres high measured from the elevation of the crest to the elevation of the toe of the structure.

What is a mine site?

A mine site is a piece of land where minerals have been extracted. It may include a tailings facility, an open pit, stockpiles, ponds, a processing plant and any other infrastructure related to mining.

Our approach

Horne Smelter manages several TSFs and legacy mine sites. Among the TSFs, there are active sites, including Noranda 4, Noranda 5 and Quémont 2, as well as inactive sites such as Noranda 3.

At Horne Smelter, we are committed to upholding the highest standards in the management of our tailings storage facilities. To learn more about our approach and ongoing commitments, please visit our Tailings Management page.

Our operations

Tailings from Horne Smelter operations are currently deposited in the Noranda 5 tailings facility. Tailings are transported from the Horne Smelter plant to the TSF using a pipeline. No tailings are deposited in the Noranda 3, as it is an inactive site. However, Noranda 4 is being used for water management.

Quémont 2 has almost reached its maximum capacity. An assessment of the various options for final filling is underway. Once capacity is reached, this facility will enter the closure phase, followed by rehabilitation. 

To ensure the safe management of our tailings storage facilities and mine sites, multiple control measures have been implemented in accordance with internal standards and international guidelines. These include a comprehensive inspection program with annual reviews conducted by the designated engineer, continuous monitoring of surface water quality, groundwater quality, and dam stability, as well as the implementation and annual testing of emergency response plans. In addition, internal and external audits, dam safety studies, and other risk management activities are regularly conducted to uphold the highest safety and environmental standards.