CEC Highlights the Strategic Role of Tailings, Water Management and Global Collaboration at Middle East Iron and Steel Conference 2025

Video Interview | Fastmarkets Live Lounge

During the Fastmarkets Live Lounge at the Middle East Iron and Steel Conference, Cameron Stockman, Managing Director at CEC Mining Systems, shared his perspective on how tailings management, dewatering and filtration are becoming central to the mining industry’s environmental, social and economic performance.

In the interview with Fastmarkets, he explained that tailings are an inherent by-product of mineral beneficiation — a challenge that has intensified as declining ore grades mean that most material processed at modern operations becomes tailings rather than concentrate. Finer mineral liberation requirements have further increased both the scale and complexity of tailings management worldwide.

Historically, conventional slurried tailings facilities have carried significant operational and environmental risk, a reality underscored by several high-profile failures over the past decade. What was once viewed as an “alternative” approach is now increasingly considered a core component of project development, from early-stage engineering studies to brownfield optimization and life-of-mine planning.

One of the strongest drivers of this shift has been pressure from investors and capital markets, which now demand greater transparency around environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks. Supported by international frameworks and organizations such as the ICMM, mining companies are increasingly expected to evaluate mitigation strategies that enhance safety, environmental performance and long-term resilience.

The discussion also addressed the realities of delivering projects in complex and high-risk environments. Drawing on experience across South America, Africa and emerging markets in the Middle East, the interview highlighted the importance of cultural awareness, multilingual communication and a strong on-the-ground presence. Early international expansion and hands-on project execution were identified as key differentiators in building trust and delivering successful outcomes.

Water scarcity emerged as one of the defining challenges — and opportunities — facing the mining industry today. Many of the world’s most important mining regions, including parts of Latin America, Africa, Australia and the Middle East, face severe water constraints, often placing mining operations in direct competition with local communities.

As emphasized during the interview, the net present value of a project that cannot be built is effectively zero, reinforcing the growing importance of securing and maintaining a social and environmental licence to operate. In this context, innovative tailings and water management solutions are no longer optional, but essential to project viability and long-term value creation.

The conversation also marked an important milestone for CEC, following the company’s first design-and-supply contract with a Tier One iron ore producer. This achievement reflects the company’s evolution from an equipment-focused manufacturer into a provider of integrated, turnkey solutions — a transition that requires continued investment in internal processes, systems and organizational maturity.

Addressing the perceived trade-off between sustainability and profitability, the interview challenged the notion that the two are in conflict. Companies that successfully integrate environmental and social considerations into project design and execution tend to be more resilient, less volatile and better positioned for sustainable long-term performance.

The discussion concluded with a reflection on leadership and globalization within the steel and mining sector. With a multicultural team representing more than 17 languages, CEC views cultural curiosity, communication and collaboration as foundational to operating in an increasingly interconnected global industry — where partnerships, reputations and long-term relationships are critical to success.

Watch the full Fastmarkets Live Lounge interview to learn more about how CEC is advancing safer, smarter and more sustainable tailings and water management solutions for the global mining industry.