New Standard for Responsible Mining Made Public

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Editor’s Note

This article highlights the launch of the Standard for Responsible Mining by IRMA, a significant global certification program for industrial mine sites. IndustriALL Global Union has welcomed this development as a major step forward for workers, emphasizing its potential to improve industry practices and labor conditions.

A Major Step Forward for Workers

IndustriALL Global Union welcomes the publication of the Standard for Responsible Mining, which took place today. Launched by IRMA, the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance, the standard represents an innovative global certification program for industrial mine sites.

Key Practices of the Standard

Among the best practices covered by the Standard for Responsible Mining are worker health and safety, human rights, community engagement, pollution prevention, mining in conflict-affected areas, the rights of indigenous peoples, transparency regarding company revenue payments to governments, and land reclamation after operations are completed.

Online Responsible Mining Map

An online Responsible Mining Map was also launched today. This map will allow producers and buyers of responsible minerals to demonstrate their commitment to a responsible mineral resources industry value chain and to connect for the development of business relationships.

Union Involvement in Development

IndustriALL and its affiliate, the United Steelworkers, were closely involved in developing the new standard, which is independent and based on a third-party verification system. IndustriALL’s Assistant General Secretary, Kemal Özkan, stated:

“This is an important moment for the mining industry. The standard aims to ensure respect for workers’ rights, particularly regarding neutrality and workers’ rights to collective bargaining and freedom of association. It places worker protection at the forefront and will lead to improvements in the extractive industry from the ground up.”
A Decade of Collaboration

The Standard for Responsible Mining is the result of a ten-year collaboration between the world of work, mining companies, downstream companies such as jewelers and electronics firms, civil society, and impacted communities. It has the support of major sector companies like Anglo American, ArcelorMittal, Microsoft, and Tiffany & Co.

“The growing interest in responsible sourcing of metals and minerals demonstrates the importance of having standards that meet the needs of the wide variety of mining customers and the expectations of society as a whole,” said Jon Samuel, Head of Group Social Performance and Engagement at Anglo American. “We look forward to testing IRMA’s self-assessment tool and continuing to contribute to the development of this initiative as an expression of our commitment to responsible mining.”
Field Testing and Certification Process

IRMA also worked with host mines and technical experts to conduct two field trials and assess the standard through simulated mine audits in the United States and Zimbabwe. The international certification process evaluates individual mine sites and not companies as a whole.

“The Standard for Responsible Mining responds to market forces with the aim of creating greater incentive and leverage for the protection of the environment and communities living near mines,” said Aimee Boulanger, Coordinator at IRMA. “The Standard for Responsible Mining will allow profit-seeking companies to share values while offering an ethical value chain to their customers.”
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⏰ Published on: June 28, 2018