The Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM) establishes requirements applicable throughout the full life cycle of tailings storage facilities, from early project development through closure. Teck Resources Ltd. (Teck) initially focused on implementing the Standard at existing mine sites, while relying on qualified Project Team Leads to integrate relevant aspects of the standard into early-stage mine project development. This paper describes Teck’s subsequent approach to embed the GISTM into early-stage projects through a structured, stage gated framework.  Building on practical experience gained through trial implementation across multiple early-stage projects, Teck has developed clear project stage gate criteria aligned with the intent and requirements of the GISTM. These criteria provide project teams with a concise and accessible set of expectations, ensuring early awareness of applicable tailings management requirements and supporting consistent execution as projects advance through development phases. The paper outlines the rationale for introducing specific GISTM requirements at each project stage and provides practical recommendations, supported by selected project examples. The approach demonstrates how proactive integration of the GISTM into the project stage gate criteria can strengthen tailings governance and support responsible project development well before construction and operations commence.