KCB’s Rick Friedel Featured in Vancouver Geotechnical Society Magazine

May 13, 2025

KCB has been featured in the special section of the latest issue of the Vancouver Geotechnical Society Magazine. In the article, Senior Geotechnical Engineer Rick Friedel explores the topic: "Advancing Responsible Tailings Management: A Decade of Progress and a Look Ahead.".

Metals produced by mining are essential to the continued technological and energy transitions required to support a more sustainable future. Managing tailings responsibly with respect for potential human, social, cultural and environmental impacts is a critical component of mining’s future.

“As an industry, we need to continue to engage and inspire people to help them become excited about what a career in tailings can provide. It allows one to play a key role in responsible mining by closing opportunity and rewards few careers can match. The Canadian mining industry has long been a leader in producing global tailings management guidance and advancing best practices on a range of topics. Continued collaboration is needed to help Mine Operators as they update their governance and management systems to align with regulatory and industry good practice.” - Senior Geotechnical Engineer, Rick Friedel.

Over the past decade, the mining industry has seen substantial progress in responsible tailings management, driven by a strong emphasis on safety, sustainability, and innovation. Today, industry professionals are increasingly empowered to make informed decisions about tailings storage facilities (TSFs) through alternative technologies like filtered tailings and the use of digital tools for and data-informed risk management and monitoring. This evolution reflects a broader industry shift toward continuous improvement, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and transparent knowledge sharing. Looking ahead, the future of tailings management will rely on site-specific, multidisciplinary approaches that emphasize environmental stewardship and meaningful community engagement.