Monthly Archives: October 2025

Barro Alto. Credit: Anglo AmericanBarro Alto. Credit: Anglo AmericanAudits

Anglo American’s Barro Alto Nickel Mine Completes IRMA Surveillance Audit

31 October 2025By

On 31 October 2025 the Initiative for Responsible Mining (IRMA) released the surveillance audit report of Anglo American’s Barro Alto nickel mine, located in Brazil’s state of Goiás. IRMA-approved audit firm ERM CVS conducted the audit and assessed the progress made on the corrective action plan that the operation committed to in the initial audit report. Throughout the surveillance audit, ERM CVS found Chapter 2.2 – Free, Prior and Informed Consent of the IRMA Standard for Responsible Mining as relevant and this chapter will be fully evaluated during the renewal audit.

IRMA’s independent assessment cycle occurs in 3 stages: (1) initial audit, (2) surveillance audit, and (3) reassessment audit. Mines in the IRMA system must undergo a surveillance audit during each 3-year audit cycle, and this audit must occur between 12 and 18 months after an initial audit report has been publicly released. Surveillance audits are not full audits, meaning that conformance with all requirements reviewed in the initial audit does not need to be re-established. Typically, during a surveillance audit the audit team verifies that the mine’s systems and controls are still in place and are functioning effectively, that no major changes have occurred since the initial audit that negatively affect the mine’s performance. The surveillance audit includes confidential interviews with workers and engagement with Indigenous rightsholders and community stakeholders. The initial and surveillance IRMA audit reports for the operation are available on the Barro Alto Mine audit page on the IRMA website.

As the IRMA Standard is recognized and adopted around the globe, these audits are important steps in a deepening dialogue between mining companies and those affected by their operations. Because the IRMA process is always improving from the experience of the most recent audit, audit results should be reviewed and interpreted accordingly.

On February 18, 2025, Anglo American announced the sale of the Barro Alto operation to MMG Singapore Resources Pte. Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of MMG Limited. The sale of the operation is subject to a number of conditions, including customary competition and regulatory clearances, with completion of the sale expected by Q3 2025.

The independent IRMA system is the only global mining standard that provides equal power to the public sector (communities and Indigenous rights holders, mine workers, and environmental and human rights advocates) alongside the private sector (mining companies, mined materials purchasers and investors).

NOTE: A Portuguese language version of this report will be published within the next week.

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Barro Alto. Credit: Anglo AmericanBarro Alto. Credit: Anglo AmericanAudits

Mina de níquel Barro Alto da Anglo American conclui auditoria de vigilância IRMA

31 October 2025By

Em 31 de outubro de 2025, a Iniciativa de Asseguração de Mineração Responsável (IRMA) publicou o relatório de auditoria de vigilância da mina de níquel Barro Alto da Anglo American, localizada no estado de Goiás, Brasil. A empresa de auditoria ERM CVS, aprovada pela IRMA, conduziu a auditoria e avaliou o progresso feito no plano de ação corretiva que a operação se comprometeu a cumprir no relatório de auditoria inicial. Ao longo da auditoria de vigilância, a ERM CVS considerou o Capítulo 2.2 – Consentimento Livre, Prévio e Informado do Padrão IRMA para Mineração Responsável como relevante, e esse capítulo será avaliado integralmente durante a auditoria de renovação.

O ciclo de avaliação independente da IRMA ocorre em três etapas: (1) auditoria inicial, (2) auditoria de vigilância e (3) auditoria de reavaliação. As minas no sistema IRMA devem passar por uma auditoria de vigilância durante cada ciclo de auditoria de três anos, e essa auditoria deve ocorrer entre 12 e 18 meses após a divulgação pública do relatório da auditoria inicial. As auditorias de vigilância não são auditorias completas, o que significa que não é necessário restabelecer a conformidade com todos os requisitos analisados na auditoria inicial. Normalmente, durante uma auditoria de vigilância, a equipe de auditoria verifica se os sistemas e controles da mina ainda estão em vigor e funcionando de forma eficaz, e se não ocorreram mudanças significativas desde a auditoria inicial que afetem negativamente o desempenho da mina. A auditoria de vigilância inclui entrevistas confidenciais com trabalhadores e o envolvimento com detentores de direitos indígenas e partes interessadas da comunidade. Os relatórios da auditoria inicial e de vigilância da IRMA para a operação estão disponíveis na página de auditoria da mina Barro Alto no site da IRMA.

Como o Padrão IRMA é reconhecido e adotado em todo o mundo, essas auditorias são etapas importantes em um diálogo mais profundo entre as empresas de mineração e as pessoas afetadas por suas operações. Como o processo IRMA está sempre melhorando com base na experiência da auditoria mais recente, os resultados da auditoria devem ser revisados e interpretados de acordo.

Em 18 de fevereiro de 2025, a Anglo American anunciou a venda da operação Barro Alto para a MMG Singapore Resources Pte. Ltd, uma subsidiária integral da MMG Limited. A venda da operação está sujeita a uma série de condições, incluindo as habituais autorizações regulatórias e de concorrência, com a conclusão da venda prevista para o terceiro trimestre de 2025.

O sistema independente IRMA é o único padrão global de mineração que oferece poder igual ao setor público (comunidades e detentores de direitos indígenas, trabalhadores de minas e defensores dos direitos humanos e ambientais) e ao setor privado (empresas de mineração, compradores de materiais extraídos e investidores).

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Credit: Freesvg.comCredit: Freesvg.comLabor

Strengthening Worker Voice: Reflections on IRMA’s First Labor Members Meeting

29 October 2025By

The Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) marked an important milestone with its first-ever meeting dedicated to labor members. This gathering brought together worker representatives from different regions and sectors, creating a space to exchange experiences and discuss how to strengthen the role of labor within the IRMA system. The meeting was framed not simply as a coordination platform, but as the foundation of a community that amplifies worker voices within the IRMA system.

The discussions highlighted the importance of ensuring that worker participation goes beyond the audit process and becomes central to the continuous improvement of mining operations.

The meeting included a presentation on the current scope of mining sites engaged with IRMA, showing the system’s growing global reach. Over one hundred companies and more than a hundred mine sites are currently engaged in the IRMA system, through either self-assessments or independent audits. The discussions explored how labor can leverage these opportunities to strengthen worker representation and ensure that mine audits reflect the realities on the ground.

Members also learned how other sector groups within IRMA such as affected communities, finance, civil society, and purchasing representatives have structured their collaboration. These insights provided useful examples of how labor can organize its own network to promote coordination, share knowledge, and strengthen the IRMA system.

A key outcome of the meeting was the identification of priorities for the labor sector. Members emphasized the need for greater capacity building and awareness-raising to support and build the capacity of unions and workers to understand IRMA’s Standard and assessment process. They proposed developing accessible training materials, using visual tools and translations to make information easier to share locally. Participants also called for structured onboarding support for new members and a step-by-step guide to participating in audit-related activities.

Another priority discussed was the importance of stronger coordination and collaboration. Members emphasized the need for consistent information sharing and regular updates from IRMA to ensure that labor perspectives are well integrated into ongoing activities. The meeting concluded with a proposal to hold regular bi-monthly calls, which will allow members to share progress, align priorities, and maintain momentum between in-person meetings.

The inaugural meeting marked a significant step forward in IRMA’s engagement with the labor sector. If you are an IRMA labor member and would like to be part of these conversations going forward, please contact Davidzo Muchawaya (dmuchawaya@responsiblemining.net)

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Partner

New Collaboration Promotes Responsible Sourcing of Platinum Group Metals

27 October 2025By
London Platinum and Palladium Market and the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance Increasing Value for More Responsible Business Practices

Oct 27 – The Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) and the London Platinum and Palladium Market (LPPM) announced a new, non-exclusive collaboration to advance responsible sourcing in the platinum group metals (PGM) value chain. This partnership strengthens shared approaches to assurance and supports the mutual members of both organizations.

As two key entities focused on the responsible production of PGMs, IRMA and LPPM are committed to best practices and to advancing transparent and effective systems that are responsive to the needs of mining-affected stakeholders and rightsholders. This collaboration comes at a time of increasing global scrutiny, regulatory requirements, and rising stakeholder expectations for responsible mining and sourcing.

“The London Platinum and Palladium Market is delighted to have the opportunity to work with the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance, through the LPPM’s Responsible Sourcing Committee,” said John Cullen, Chair of the LPPM. “We look forward to the collaboration yielding benefits for all our members and the entire PGM Industry.”

“Working with LPPM illustrates IRMA’s collaborative approach to improving mining practices,” said Aimee Boulanger, IRMA Executive Director. “Learning from each other will help us achieve our vision to increase value for the efforts of mining companies who respect the human rights of affected communities, provide healthy and supportive workplaces, minimize environmental harm, and leave positive legacies.”

The two organizations have prioritized three key areas of collaboration:

  • Maintaining a regular, constructive dialogue on the metrics for best practices that drive more responsible mining practices
  • Jointly listening to member needs, seeking to support and bring reputational and financial value to companies improving practices
  • Exchanging knowledge to improve the approach of how we measure performance through audits that are trusted

More Info:

LPPM is a trade association that oversees and promotes the trading of platinum and palladium in London, with a primary focus on market quality and the responsible sourcing of PGMs. IRMA is a non-profit that works to better protect communities and the environment by creating financial value for mine sites whose performance is independently and transparently audited against the IRMA Standard for Responsible Mining.

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Mototolo PGM mining operation. Credit: Anglo AmericanMototolo PGM mining operation. Credit: Anglo AmericanAudits

ERM CVS to Conduct On-site IRMA Surveillance Assessment of Valterra Platinum Mototolo operations

24 October 2025By

From IRMA approved independent auditor ERM CVS. View/download the announcement as PDF in Sepedi

ERM CVS Seeks Input from Local Community and Other Stakeholders

ERM CVS announces that on 24-26 November 2025 it will visit the Valterra Platinum Mototolo complex in South Africa’s Limpopo province to conduct an independent, third-party Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) surveillance assessment of the operation..

The initial audit report of Valterra Platinum’s Mototolo mining complex was released on 16 February 2024 with an achievement level of IRMA 75. The report is available on the IRMA website: https://responsiblemining.net/mototolo.

The onsite surveillance audit will verify that the site operations continue to align with the performance previously recognized in the initial audit report. The audit team will verify that the mine’s systems and controls are still in place and are functioning effectively, that no major changes have occurred that negatively affect the mine’s performance, and that the site is progressing on its corrective action plan. The audit will also include confidential interviews with workers and engagement with community stakeholders. Following the completion of the surveillance audit, a report will be published on the IRMA website.

The abbreviated surveillance audit summary report will provide Valterra Platinum and stakeholders insight into continuity of operations, material changes, and evidence of continued improvement. A full reassessment audit will occur three years after the release of the initial audit report.

24 – 26 November 2025

Your comments will help ERM CVS assess the impact of Valterra Platinum’s Mototolo mine on local communities and measure its performance against best mining practices. ERM CVS invites you to sign-up for an interview with auditors during the surveillance audit, and/or submit written comments about Valterra Platinum Mototolo mine using the contact details below.

Interviews can be held in English and Sepedi. You must contact us before 17 November 2025 to be interviewed. Written comments submitted before 25 November 2025 will be incorporated into the results of this audit.
On the web

Email: post@ermcvs.com

Telephone: +27 10 596 3740

QR code to access online form:

ERM CVS contact QR code
Interviews with members of the community occur without mine personnel present. Interviews with non-management workers occur without management present and can be scheduled to occur offsite on request. ERM CVS protects the identity of individual commenters although the general nature of comments will be summarized in the report.

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Amandelbult PGM Complex. Credit: Anglo AmericanAmandelbult PGM Complex. Credit: Anglo AmericanAudits

ERM CVS to Conduct On-site IRMA Surveillance Assessment of Valterra Platinum Amandelbult operations

24 October 2025By

From IRMA approved independent auditor ERM CVS. View/download the announcement as PDF in isiXhosa | Sepedi | Setswana

ERM CVS Seeks Input from Local Community and Other Stakeholders

ERM CVS announces that on 18-20 November 2025 it will visit the Valterra Platinum Amandelbult mining complex in South Africa’s Limpopo province to conduct an independent, third-party Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) surveillance assessment of the operation..

The initial audit report of Valterra Platinum’s Amandelbult mining complex was released on 16 February 2024 with an achievement level of IRMA 50. The report is available on the IRMA website: https://responsiblemining.net/amandelbult.

The onsite surveillance audit will verify that the site operations continue to align with the performance previously recognized in the initial audit report. The audit team will verify that the mine’s systems and controls are still in place and are functioning effectively, that no major changes have occurred that negatively affect the mine’s performance, and that the site is progressing on its corrective action plan. The audit will also include confidential interviews with workers and engagement with community stakeholders. Following the completion of the surveillance audit, a report will be published on the IRMA website.

The abbreviated surveillance audit summary report will provide Valterra Platinum and stakeholders insight into continuity of operations, material changes, and evidence of continued improvement. A full reassessment audit will occur three years after the release of the initial audit report.

18 – 20 November 2025

Your comments will help ERM CVS assess the impact of Valterra Platinum’s Amandelbult mine on local communities and measure its performance against best mining practices. ERM CVS invites you to sign-up for an interview with auditors during the surveillance audit, and/or submit written comments about Valterra Platinum Amandelbult mine using the contact details below.

Interviews can be held in English, Setswana, Sepedi and isiXhosa. You must contact us before 11 November 2025 to be interviewed. Written comments submitted before 19 November 2025 will be incorporated into the results of this audit.
On the web

Email: post@ermcvs.com

Telephone: +27 10 596 3740

QR code to access online form:

ERM CVS contact QR code
Interviews with members of the community occur without mine personnel present. Interviews with non-management workers occur without management present and can be scheduled to occur offsite on request. ERM CVS protects the identity of individual commenters although the general nature of comments will be summarized in the report.

For more information about

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IRMA and ResponsibleGlass logosIRMA and ResponsibleGlass logosPartner

ResponsibleGlass and IRMA forge foundational partnership to drive responsibility in glass supply chains

21 October 2025By

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Date: 21 October 2025.   ResponsibleGlass, the newly formed global multi-stakeholder not-for-profit standards and certification programme for the responsible low-carbon production of glass, today announced a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA).

This MOU marks the first major collaboration for ResponsibleGlass and establishes a clear path to align the new developing glass standard with IRMA’s comprehensive best practices for the responsible extraction and processing of the materials critical to glassmaking, including sand, silicates and soda ash (trona).

Both organisations share a core belief in the value of multi-stakeholder governance – involving civil society, labour advocates, mining and processing companies, manufacturers, product end users and the finance sector – to drive positive environmental and social change.

The collaboration will focus on several significant areas:

  • Standards Alignment: ResponsibleGlass will align its requirements for the sourcing of mined materials with IRMA’s established standards to strengthen due diligence and transparency from the points of extraction.
  • Avoiding duplication: by leveraging IRMA’s existing assurance system for raw materials, the partnership aims to avoid duplication and inefficiency in developing standards for the entire glass supply chain.
  • Market Demand:  the organisations will work together to communicate with downstream glass users, building market demand for responsibly sourced glass in high growth sectors such as building, automotive, solar and technology industries.
  • Shared systems: the organisations will also explore the potential to develop joint systems for managing the chain of custody of materials through the glass supply chain, from “cradle to grave”.

Francis Sullivan, chair of ResponsibleGlass, commented on the significance of the partnership:

“This partnership with IRMA is a foundational step for ResponsibleGlass and immediately injects world-class credibility into our initiative.  Our mission is to ensure the entire glass supply chain is responsible, and that journey starts at the source. By aligning with IRMA, the global leader in responsible mining assurance, we will ensure our standard for essential inputs like sand and soda ash are robust, credible, and truly benefit the people and lands involved in extraction.  This is how we build a glass standard the world can trust.”

Aimee Boulanger, Executive Director of IRMA highlighted the strategic alignment:

“IRMA’s standards are built on a foundation of multi-stakeholder equal governance, driving value for better social and environmental practices in mining.  This collaboration with ResponsibleGlass is a logical and powerful extension of our work. It allows us to apply our expertise to key glass inputs – avoiding duplication and accelerating market demand for responsibly sourced glass in critical sectors. This partnership shows how two independent organisations can collectively create a more resilient and responsible global supply chain.”

The specific actions and joint programmes under the MOU will be developed over time, focusing on accelerating the shift toward more responsible practices across the glass industry.

FOR MORE INFO contact:
Ali Lucas, Project Director – ResponsibleGlass +44 (0) 7786 546724
Ali.lucas@responsibleglass.org

Rebecca Burton, Deputy Director – IRMA
info@responsiblemining.net

NOTES: 

  1. This MOU is nonexclusive between ResponsibleGlass and IRMA.
  2. Further information on ResponsibleGlass can be found here: www.responsibleglass.org
  3. Further information on IRMA can be found here: www.responsiblemining.net

 

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Glen MpufaneGlen MpufaneLabor

A Farewell to Glen Mpufane

14 October 2025By

It is with enormous gratitude and affection that we note that Glen Mpufane of IndustriALL, one of IRMA’s founding Board Members, is leaving the IRMA Board. His fellow Board members and colleagues have taken this milestone as an opportunity to explain why he has been such an important part of IRMA’s creation and success.

Aimee Boulanger
Aimee Boulanger

Aimee Boulanger, IRMA Executive Director:

“As long as there has been IRMA, there has been Glen Mpufane at the leadership table, speaking for the rights for workers, and the people living closest to mining operations. Having worked in underground mines in South Africa, to serving the global labor movement, Glen’s career is unparalleled in the respect and trust he’s earned. Glen holds industry to fulfilling its opportunity to better serve people and the lands on which they rely, and he has held IRMA’s accountability to be a constructive lever to this end. We commit to carrying on his dedication — it’s now in our DNA.”

Jamie Bonham
Jamie Bonham

Jamie Bonham, NEI Investments and IRMA Board Chair:

“Glen has helped set the foundation upon which IRMA thrives today. His commitment to the ethos of collaboration and the integrity with which he engaged on tough issues is weaved into the fabric of IRMA and it has been a pleasure and an honour to learn from him. He is also a huge footy (“soccer”) fan and if that isn’t a sign of intelligence, I don’t know what is.”

Jim Wormington
Jim Wormington

Jim Wormington, Human Rights Watch:

“Glen’s quiet but incisive wisdom has been a huge asset to IRMA. He embodies the spirit of principled collaboration needed to solve problems while advancing rights, and it’s been a great pleasure getting to know him over the past few years.”

Johannes Danz
Johannes Danz

Johannes Danz, Mercedes-Benz Group:

“Glen has been nothing less than a calm rock on stormy days—consistently and constructively making the case for workers’ rights with utmost integrity. It has been an honor serving on the board with him.”

Sarah Makumbe
Sarah Makumbe

Sarah Makumbe, formerly of Anglo American:

“I worked with Glen on the IRMA board for three years and I learnt a lot from him. He is a partner who listens objectively to all views and can also challenge respectfully. I observed him engage in difficult conversations through multi-stakeholder partnerships like IRMA to ensure the best outcomes for the constituents he served, the amazing mining workforce. Glen is also very knowledgeable about various jurisdictions and was keen to extend his networks to aid collaboration. It was a real pleasure to work with Glen and wish him a restful next chapter.”

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Sibanye-Stillwater US PGM operation. Credit: Sibanye-StillwaterSibanye-Stillwater US PGM operation. Credit: Sibanye-StillwaterAudits

Audit of Sibanye-Stillwater US PGM operation postponed

10 October 2025By

IRMA and Sibanye-Stillwater have postponed the independent audit of the US PGM operations near Stillwater, Montana. The first stage of the IRMA independent audit process, which includes a desktop review, was completed in November 2023. According to IRMA’s procedures, the next stage, which includes an on-site audit and stakeholder engagement, should have been completed by November 2024.

The site requested, and was granted, an extension by IRMA in 2024. When Sibanye-Stillwater resumes their participation in the IRMA independent audit process, they will need to refresh the Stage 1 desk review before moving on to the Stage 2 on-site audit. When the audit process is resumed, IRMA will announce this.

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Audits

Valterra Platinum’s Unki Mine is First to Undergo IRMA Renewal Audit

10 October 2025By

SCS Seeks Input from Local Community and Other Stakeholders

Valterra Platinum has signed agreements with the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA), and IRMA-approved independent audit firm SCS Global Services (SCS), to continue to independently assess its Unki platinum operations against the IRMA Standard for Responsible Mining. Located in Zimbabwe’s Shurugwi region, Unki is the first mine in the IRMA system to undergo an independent Renewal Audit. Unki’s initial and surveillance audits occurred under Anglo American ownership. Valterra Platinum, a South Africa-based company, assumed site ownership on 31 May 2025.

IRMA Assessment Cycle

In the IRMA assessment cycle, a mining operation first undergoes a comprehensive Initial Audit and the independent audit firm awards an IRMA Achievement level, valid for 3 years. Midway between the publication of the initial audit and the expiration of the awarded IRMA Achievement level, the operation completes an abbreviated Surveillance Audit to ensure site performance still supports its IRMA Achievement and to monitor progress on the site’s Corrective Action Plan. Before the expiration of IRMA Achievement level, the operation completes a comprehensive Renewal Audit at which point the audit firm awards a new IRMA Achievement level. The Unki operation audit cycle has extended beyond 3 years because they were the first operation to be independently audited against the IRMA standard; the timeframe was adapted to accommodate learnings and process improvements.

SCS will conduct the Renewal Audit, which includes a desk review (stage 1) followed by an onsite audit (stage 2). When the assessment is complete, IRMA will publish a final report in which SCS re-evaluates, explains how and why they scored Unki against each of the 400+ requirements of the IRMA Standard, and awards an updated IRMA Achievement level.

Stakeholder Engagement in the Assessment

Interested stakeholders and members of the public can sign up to receive updates about the Unki Renewal Audit (e.g., the timing of the stage 2 onsite visit, link to public summary of audit results). IRMA’s Mines Under Assessment webpage also provides information on all independent assessments.

Members of the community, public officials, representatives of the workforce, or other organizations are invited to submit comments regarding how the mine site is managing their impacts to the environment including air, water, waste, greenhouse gases, and ecosystems; how the mine supports their workforce; and how the mine interacts with the surrounding community, and how it impacts the community, positively or negatively.

Interested parties may contact the independent audit firm, SCS, to share comments or to ask to be interviewed as part of the audit process. The audit firm can be reached via:

On the web

Email: feedback@scsglobalservices.com

QR code to access online form:

QR code for SCS-IRMA-feedback

Please share this announcement, and feel free to contact SCS directly to provide names and contact information for other Unki stakeholders who may be interested in knowing about and participating in the mine site assessment process.

More Information 
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