At TBS, we strive to minimize our impacts on environments and ecosystems from our operations, especially in the waste we generate. We have adopted the 4R system of waste disposal, prioritizing reduction of waste, followed by its reuse, repurposing, and recycling wherever possible.

While our focus remains on waste diversion and responsible management, there are instances where disposal becomes necessary. We prioritize safe and responsible disposal practices for these waste streams. To ensure we do so, and to keep with our commitment to transparent reporting, we adhere to the most up-to-date reporting standards for waste disposal. Such standards provide necessary frameworks for disclosure, including the relevant elements of waste composition.

Coal mining activities inherently generate significant volumes of waste, including potentially hazardous materials. Our reported waste composition will include overburden and Acid and Metalliferous Drainage (AMD). Overburden is the layer of rock and soil removed to access the coal seam, while AMD occurs when water interacts with exposed rock containing sulfur-bearing minerals, leading to acidic and metal-contaminated water runoff.

All CCPs are currently stored in designated ash yards on-site at our power plants. These ash yards are constructed and managed in accordance with best practice to minimize environmental impact. This includes dust suppression measures and proper drainage systems. Recognizing the value of CCPs as a potential resource, both of our power subsidiaries are actively pursuing utilization permits from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry. Obtaining these permits will allow us to explore and implement beneficial reuse applications. We are currently collaborating with various institutional partners to explore and develop viable CCP reuse options.

Our commitment to responsible waste management extends beyond CCPs. All other waste streams generated at our power plants are disposed of responsibly through partnerships with third-party waste management companies. In particular, all hazardous waste generated at our power plants is handled by licensed third-party hazardous waste management companies. These companies have the expertise and infrastructure to ensure safe transportation, treatment, and disposal of hazardous materials in accordance with all applicable regulations.

We are proud to operate zero-waste mills, which means we reclaim 100% of the non-hazardous waste we produce and recycle it back into our processes. Palm kernel shells (PKS) and palm fibers (derived from mesocarp and empty fruit bunches — EFB) are used as biomass fuels in our boilers. This not only reduces our reliance on fossil fuels but also recovers energy from these waste streams. The heat generated from burning biomass fuels is used to produce electricity. This electricity helps power our mills, estates, and even worker housing, reducing our dependence on the external grid and promoting self-sufficiency.

The recent acquisition of AMES, Arah, and GAI expands TBS work in responsible waste management by specializing in the treatment of hazardous waste, especially medical waste, a critical component of the healthcare sector. Medical waste, categorized as hazardous and regulated waste, requires specific handling and treatment due to potential health and environmental risks.