Barrick Gold Enhances Transparency with Tailings Disclosure Aligned to Global Standards
Barrick Gold Reports Full Tailings Storage Disclosure in Line with Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management
Barrick Gold Corporation, listed on the NYSE and TSX, has released detailed disclosures of its tailings storage facilities (TSFs) in line with the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM), reaffirming its commitment to safety, transparency, and environmental responsibility.
The disclosures provide site-level data for all relevant TSFs that Barrick owns, operates, or has in the design phase.
This initiative underscores the company’s active role in developing the GISTM and its alignment with best practices for tailings management.
Of the 65 TSFs under Barrick’s oversight, only five are classified as “extreme risk” and 12 as “very high risk.” Despite these classifications, all 17 facilities meet the requirements outlined by the GISTM.
Additionally, 13 TSFs are currently in a “safe closure” state, exempting them from GISTM disclosure obligations.
One other TSF is managed by a joint venture partner and falls outside Barrick’s disclosure responsibilities.
However, the company noted it was unable to confirm GISTM compliance for the Loulo-Gounkoto TSF in Mali.
Due to an ongoing dispute with the Malian government, which has placed the operation under provisional administration, Barrick no longer has access to the site or the tailings facility.
Barrick president and CEO Mark Bristow emphasized the company’s continuous efforts to operate and decommission TSFs responsibly. A major focus is transitioning inactive facilities into “safe closure” status.
“Achieving safe closure involves thorough assessment and mitigation of long-term risks to human health and the environment,” said Bristow.
“It also requires meaningful stakeholder engagement, conservation of key biodiversity features, and the protection of cultural values.”
Barrick aims to bring five additional TSFs into safe closure by next year, further reinforcing its leadership in responsible resource management.
