Audits

Balama Graphite operation in Mozambique. Credit: Syrah ResourcesBalama Graphite operation in Mozambique. Credit: Syrah ResourcesPress Release

Syrah’s Balama is 1st graphite operation to complete IRMA audit

19 December 2024By

[em português]

19 December – Today the Initiative for Responsible Mining (IRMA) released the results of an independent audit of Syrah’s Balama graphite operation (“Balama”) against the IRMA Standard for Responsible Mining. Balama achieved IRMA 50 after the independent audit firm SCS Global Services measured its performance versus the Standard’s 400+ criteria.

Balama is one of 22 industrial-scale mining operations worldwide engaged in independent audits with the IRMA system. After an initial self-assessment, a participating mine engages a third-party audit firm — trained and approved by IRMA — to conduct a detailed independent evaluation, including on-site visits to the mine and nearby communities.

IRMA 50 means SCS Global Services verified Balama met all critical requirements of the IRMA Standard, as well as at least 50% of the Standard’s criteria in each of the four areas: social responsibility, environmental responsibility, business integrity and planning for positive legacies. The full audit report is available on the Balama audit page at responsiblemining.net.

“The information stakeholders need to decide what’s going well — and what may require more attention.”

“This report demonstrates that mines supplying materials essential to the renewable energy transition can point to transparent, independent evaluations of their environmental and social performance,” said Aimee Boulanger, Executive Director of IRMA. “Through detailed IRMA audit reports, mining companies, communities and companies that purchase mined materials can gain the information they need to decide what’s going well — and what may require more attention — at specific mines.”

As the IRMA Standard is recognized and adopted around the globe, these audits are just the first steps in a deepening dialogue between mining companies and those affected by their operations. And because the process is still evolving, IRMA cautions that the initial results should be reviewed and interpreted accordingly.

“If the results don’t fully reflect the experience of communities or other affected groups, we want to hear from them,” Ms. Boulanger said. “We’ll help them communicate with the company to better understand its performance, and with the auditors on any issues they feel were overlooked in the review. This is a cornerstone of our own commitment to transparency. We invite anyone who has criticisms of our work to join us in making it better. Finding ways to improve is built into our system — and a measure of its success.”

“This accomplishment is a first in the global graphite industry and highlights nearly a decade of strengthening our differentiated ESG performance.”

“Achieving IRMA 50 is a significant milestone for Syrah in our commitment to operate in line with international best practice for responsible mining. This accomplishment is a first in the global graphite industry and highlights nearly a decade of strengthening our differentiated ESG performance, particularly Balama’s strong safety record, investment in training and developing a highly skilled workforce, ongoing community development, human rights due diligence, legal governance and compliance, stakeholder engagement and demonstrated commitment to environmental sustainability,” said Syrah Managing Director and CEO, Shaun Verner.

The Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) is (1) a voluntary mining standard describing best practices to protect people and the environment, (2) an assurance process to measure mines against that standard, and (3) an organization equally governed by representatives of six affected stakeholder sectors – communities, organized labor, NGOs, finance, purchasers and mining companies — that oversees the standard and the assurance process. IRMA is globally unique in that its governance provides communities equal power to mining companies, and the non-commercial interests the same power as commercial interests.

For More Information:

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Balama Graphite operation in Mozambique. Credit: Syrah ResourcesBalama Graphite operation in Mozambique. Credit: Syrah ResourcesPress Release

Balama é a primeira operação de grafite a concluir a auditoria da IRMA

19 December 2024By

[in english]

19 de Dezembro – Hoje, a Iniciativa para a Garantia de Mineração Responsável (IRMA) divulgou os resultados de uma auditoria independente da operação de grafite da Syrah em Balama (“Balama”) em função do Padrão para a Mineração Responsável da IRMA. Balama atingiu o nível IRMA 50 depois de a firma de auditoria independente SCS Global Services ter medido o seu desempenho em relação aos mais de quatrocentos critérios do Padrão.

A operação da Syrah em Balama é uma das 22 operações mineiras de escala industrial em todo o mundo envolvidas em auditorias independentes com o sistema IRMA. Após uma auto-avaliação inicial, uma mina participante contrata uma empresa de auditoria externa, com formação e aprovação da IRMA, para efectuar uma avaliação independente pormenorizada, incluindo visitas presencias a operação mineira e às comunidades próximas.

O IRMA 50 significa que a SCS Global Services verificou que Balama cumpria todos os requisitos críticos do Padrão IRMA, bem como pelo menos 50% dos critérios do Padrão em cada uma das quatro áreas: responsabilidade social, responsabilidade ambiental, integridade empresarial e planeamento para legados positivos. O relatório de auditoria completo está disponível na página da auditoria de Balama em responsiblemining.net.

“As informações necessárias para decidir o que está a correr bem e o que pode exigir mais atenção.”

“Este relatório demonstra que as minas que fornecem materiais essenciais com vista à transição para as energias renováveis podem apontar para avaliações transparentes e independentes do seu desempenho ambiental e social”, afirmou Aimee Boulanger, Directora Executiva da IRMA. “Através de relatórios de auditoria da IRMA pormenorizados, as empresas de mineração, as comunidades e as empresas que adquirem os materiais extraídos podem obter as informações necessárias para decidir o que está a correr bem e o que pode exigir mais atenção em minas específicas.”

Dado que o Padrão da IRMA é reconhecido e adoptado em todo o mundo, estas auditorias são apenas os primeiros passos no aprofundamento do diálogo entre as empresas mineiras e as pessoas afectadas pela respectiva actividade. E porque o processo ainda está em evolução, a IRMA adverte que os resultados iniciais devem ser revistos e interpretados em conformidade.

“Se os resultados não reflectem plenamente a experiência das comunidades, dos titulares de direitos indígenas ou de outros grupos afectados, queremos ouvir as respectivas opiniões”, afirmou a Sra. Boulanger. “Ajudá-los-emos a comunicar com a empresa para compreender melhor o seu desempenho e com os auditores sobre quaisquer questões que achem que tenham sido negligenciadas na análise. Esta é uma pedra basilar do nosso compromisso para com a transparência. Convidamos qualquer pessoa que tenha críticas acerca do nosso trabalho a juntar se a nós para o tornarmos melhor. A procura de maneiras de melhorar está incorporada no nosso sistema e é uma medida do seu sucesso.”

“Esta conquista é a primeira na indústria global de grafite e destaca quase uma década de fortalecimento do nosso desempenho diferenciado em ESG”

“Alcançar o IRMA 50 é um marco significativo para a Syrah no seu compromisso de operar em linha com as melhores práticas internacionais de mineração responsável. Esta conquista é a primeira na indústria global de grafite e destaca quase uma década de fortalecimento do nosso desempenho diferenciado em ESG. O sólido registo de segurança de Balama, o investimento em formação e no desenvolvimento de uma força de trabalho altamente qualificada, o contínuo desenvolvimento na comunidade, a devida diligência em matéria de direitos humanos, a governação e conformidade legal, o envolvimento com as partes interessadas e o compromisso demonstrado com a sustentabilidade ambiental foram elementos cruciais no processo com o IRMA”, destacou o Diretor-Executivo e CEO da Syrah, Shaun Verner.

A Iniciativa para a Garantia de Mineração Responsável (IRMA) é: (1) um padrão de mineração voluntário que descreve as melhores práticas para proteger as pessoas e o ambiente, (2) um processo de garantia para mensurar as minas em função desse padrão, e (3) uma organização dirigida em pé de igualdade por representantes de seis sectores de partes interessadas afectadas (comunidades, trabalhadores organizados, ONG, sector financeiro, compradores e empresas mineiras) que supervisiona a norma e o processo de garantia. A IRMA é mundialmente única no sentido em que a sua governação proporciona às comunidades um poder equivalente ao das empresas mineiras e aos interesses não comerciais um poder igual ao dos interesses comerciais.

For More Information:

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Credit:PT Vale IndonesiaCredit:PT Vale IndonesiaAudits

PT Vale Indonesia commits Sorowako to IRMA audit

17 December 2024By

PT Vale Indonesia Tbk (PTVI) has committed its Sorowako nickel operation in Indonesia’s South Sulawesi Province to third-party independent assessment against the IRMA Standard for Responsible Mining. PT Vale Indonesia is jointly controlled by Vale Canada Limited and MIND ID, Indonesia’s mining industry holding company.

“By volunteering Sorowako for an independent audit against the world’s most rigorous global mining standard, PT Vale Indonesia is providing unprecedented transparency into the operations of a Sulawesi mine,” said IRMA Executive Director Aimee Boulanger. “They are effectively putting themselves under a microscope and welcoming affected stakeholders to examine their mine and help them make their mine more responsible.”

“To further strengthen our commitment to responsible mining, we are committing our Sorowako Mine Site to IRMA independent audit. This is a significant milestone in our responsible mining journey which will later include the rest of our mining and processing operations. Through this, we aim to increase transparency and accountability, aligning with best practices that resonate with our stakeholders,” said PT Value Chief of Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer, Bernardus Irmanto. “To help achieve this, the IRMA audit report will provide those affected by our mine the information they need to engage in meaningful dialogue about where Sorowako is achieving best practice, and where there is more work to be done.”

The Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) is (1) a voluntary mining standard describing best practices to protect people and the environment, (2) an assurance process to measure mines against that standard, and (3) an organization equally governed by representatives of six affected stakeholder sectors – communities, organized labor, NGOs, finance, purchasers and mining companies — that oversees the standard and the assurance process. IRMA is globally unique in that its governance provides communities equal power to mining companies, and the non-commercial interests the same power as commercial interests.

PTVI produced 10% of total nickel production in Indonesia (2023), primarily operating out of Sorowako, South Sulawesi. In Q3 2024, PTVI produced 18,008 metric tons of nickel in matte—class 1 nickel—a critical material in stainless steel and battery production. Founded in 1968 as PT International Nickel Indonesia Tbk (INCO) the company became PT Vale Indonesia in 2011.

ERM CVS, an IRMA-approved independent audit firm, will be carrying out the assessment, which includes a desk review (stage 1, which starts on December 17 for Sorowako) followed by an onsite audit (stage 2). Using the contact information below, members of the affected community, public officials, representatives of the workforce, or other organizations are invited to submit comments starting now regarding how the mine site is managing their impacts to the environment including air, water, waste, greenhouse gasses, 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 also ask to be interviewed by auditors once they are on the mine site.

For More Information

  • To follow the progress of the IRMA assessment, visit the IRMA website for Sorowako’s independent assessment status page
  • If you would like more information on how the audit of the Sorowako operation will be conducted against the IRMA standard — contact IRMA’s Director of Assurance: Michelle Smith, msmith@responsiblemining.net
  • Interested parties may reach out to ERM CVS in advance of the audit to ask to be interviewed by auditors either by phone or video conferencing or in person, once the auditors are on the mine site. 30 days prior to the onsite audit, ERM CVS will make its own announcement and invitation directly to local communities and workers. The audit firm can be reached by email at: post@ermcvs.com
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Marikana. Credit: Sibanyne-StillwaterMarikana. Credit: Sibanyne-StillwaterAudits

ERM CVS to Conduct On-site Assessment of Marikana

25 October 2024By

ERM CVS to Conduct On-site IRMA Assessment of Sibanye-Stillwater Marikana;
Audit Firm Seeks Input from Local Community and Other Stakeholders

[isiXhosa | Setswana | English]

Today, 25 October 2024, ERM CVS announces that on November 25 – December 6, 2024 it will visit the Sibanye-Stillwater Marikana mining operations in the Rustenburg/Mabineg local municipality, South Africa to conduct the onsite phase of its independent, third-party Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) assessment of the operation. In May Sibanye-Stillwater announced its commitment of the Marikana operation to IRMA independent audit.

When finished, an IRMA assessment results in a public audit report released locally and on the internet. This report will describe how ERM CVS scored Sibanye-Stillwater Marikana against each of the 400+ requirements of the IRMA Standard for Responsible Mining, and why ERM CVS gave Sibanye-Stillwater Marikana that score. The report will also assign an overall achievement level: IRMA Transparency, IRMA 50, IRMA 75, or IRMA 100.

Sibanye-Stillwater can use this information about the environmental and social impacts of the Marikana mining operation to improve its practices. Other stakeholders, particularly affected communities, may use this audit report to engage with Sibanye-Stillwater and others on a more equal footing to improve the operation in the ways that matter most to them.

During ERM CVS’s time at Sibanye-Stillwater Marikana, they will collect feedback from local stakeholders – anyone directly or indirectly affected by the mine — including community members, mine workers, and government officials. The ERM CVS team will also inspect the operation and its associated facilities.

November 25 – December 6, 2024

ERM CVS invites you to sign-up for an interview while we are in the area, and/or submit written comments about Sibanye-Stillwater Marikana using the contact details below. You must contact us before 11 November 2024 to be interviewed. Written comments submitted before 4 December 2024 will be considered.

Scan to access ERM CVS contact form
Scan to access ERM CVS contact form

On the web: ermcvs.com/contact-us
Email: post@ermcvs.com

Interviews occur without mine personnel present. Interviews with non-management workers occur without management present and occur offsite on request. Comments will be kept confidential upon request.

Your comments will help ERM CVS assess the impact of Sibanye-Stillwater Marikana on local communities and measure its performance against best mining practices.

ERM CVS is an independent IRMA-approved and trained audit firm. For more about ERM CVS visit ermcvs.com.

IRMA’s mission is to protect the environment and people directly affected by mining. For more about IRMA including the assessment process, the IRMA Standard, and to see audit reports of other mines visit responsiblemining.net.

For Marikana audit status: responsiblemining.net/marikana

If you have concerns or complaints about the IRMA mine site assessment process or the IRMA Standard visit responsiblemining.net/complaints

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Credit: Harita Nickel/TBPCredit: Harita Nickel/TBPPress Release

Tambang Harita Nickel di Kawasi jadi yang pertama di Indonesia yang berkomitmen untuk diaudit oleh IRMA

7 October 2024By

[English version]

Seattle/Jakarta – 07 Oct 2024 – PT Trimegah Bangun Persada, Tbk, atau Harita Nickel, sebuah perusahaan pertambangan dan pemrosesan nikel terintegrasi, telah berkomitmen untuk melakukan penilaian independen pihak ketiga terhadap Standar IRMA untuk Pertambangan yang Bertanggung Jawab. Tambang Harita Nickel yang berlokasi di Pulau Obi, Halmahera Selatan, Maluku Utara, merupakan yang pertama di Indonesia yang secara resmi berkomitmen untuk diaudit oleh IRMA.

“Dengan mengajukan diri agar operasi pertambangannya untuk diaudit secara independen terhadap standar pertambangan global yang paling ketat di dunia, Harita Nickel menjadi contoh mengenai transparansi operasional pertambangan yang belum pernah terjadi sebelumnya di Indonesia,” ucap Direktur Eksekutif IRMA, Aimee Boulanger. “Harita akan memberikan informasi kepada para pemangku kepentingan yang terdampak yang dapat mereka gunakan untuk berinteraksi dengan perusahaan mengenai cara bagaimana mendorong agar pertambangan mereka lebih bertanggung jawab. Ini merupakan momen yang tepat mengingat pentingnya peran nikel dalam mendukung transisi energi, dan permintaan dari pembeli di hilir untuk mendapatkan nikel yang ditambang secara lebih bertanggung jawab, khususnya untuk sektor otomotif dan energi terbarukan.”

“Komitmen Harita Nickel untuk menjalani audit IRMA yang ketat mencerminkan dedikasi mereka terhadap praktik penambangan yang bertanggung jawab di Indonesia. Kami sangat mengapresiasi inisiatif mereka, yang tidak hanya menjadi tolok ukur bagi industri, tetapi juga mendukung visi pemerintah untuk sektor pertambangan yang lebih transparan serta bertanggung jawab secara lingkungan dan sosial. Upaya ini menggarisbawahi pentingnya penyelarasan industrialisasi nasional dengan standar global, memastikan manfaat jangka panjang bagi masyarakat dan lingkungan kita,” kata Septian Hario Seto, Deputi Kementerian Koordinator Bidang Kemaritiman dan Investasi Indonesia.

“Kami ingin para pembeli kami yakin bahwa mereka membeli nikel yang didapatkan secara bertanggung jawab,” kata Roy Arman Arfandy, Direktur Utama PT Trimegah Bangun Persada, Tbk (Harita Nickel). “Dengan menjalani audit IRMA yang independen, kami bertujuan untuk menyelaraskan operasi kami dengan praktik terbaik dan mengidentifikasi ruang untuk perbaikan yang berkelanjutan bersama dengan para pemangku kepentingan terdampak dan pemegang hak terkait. Kami berkomitmen untuk melakukan penyelarasan dengan standar internasional untuk penambangan yang bertanggung jawab dalam jangka panjang.”

Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) adalah (1) standar pertambangan sukarela yang menjelaskan praktik terbaik untuk melindungi masyarakat dan lingkungan, (2) proses penjaminan untuk mengukur tambang terhadap standar tersebut, dan (3) organisasi yang dikelola secara setara oleh perwakilan dari enam sektor pemangku kepentingan yang terdampak – masyarakat, buruh terorganisasi, LSM, keuangan, pembeli, dan perusahaan pertambangan — yang mengendalikan standar dan proses jaminan. IRMA unik secara global karena tata kelolanya memberikan masyarakat kekuatan yang sama dengan perusahaan pertambangan, dan kepentingan nonkomersial memiliki kekuatan yang sama dengan kepentingan komersial.

Harita Nickel memiliki izin pertambangan yang memulai operasinya di tahun 2010. Melalui anak perusahaan dan afiliasinya, Harita Nickel telah mengoperasikan smelter bijih nikel kadar tinggi (saprolit) sejak tahun 2017, fasilitas pemurnian bijih nikel kadar rendah (limonit) sejak tahun 2021, dan fasilitas produksi nikel sulfat dan kobalt sulfat sejak tahun 2023. Semua fasilitas ini berlokasi di dua wilayah konsesi pertambangan aktif Harita Nickel. Harita Nickel memproduksi bahan baku utama untuk baterai kendaraan listrik – dengan memproses dan memurnikan bijih nikel kadar rendah (limonit) menggunakan teknologi High-Pressure Acid Leach (HPAL) untuk menghasilkan Mixed Hydroxide Precipitate (MHP), yang kemudian diproses lebih lanjut menjadi nikel sulfat (NiSO4) dan kobalt sulfat (CoSO4).

SCS Global Services, firma audit independen yang disetujui IRMA, akan melakukan penilaian, yang mencakup tinjauan meja (tahap 1) diikuti oleh audit lapangan (tahap 2) [English]. Dengan menggunakan informasi kontak di bawah ini, anggota masyarakat yang terkena dampak, pejabat publik, perwakilan tenaga kerja, atau pihak berkepentingan lainnya diundang untuk menyampaikan komentar dari saat ini mengenai bagaimana lokasi tambang mengelola dampaknya terhadap lingkungan termasuk udara, air, limbah, gas rumah kaca, dan ekosistem; bagaimana tambang mendukung tenaga kerja mereka; dan bagaimana tambang berinteraksi dengan masyarakat sekitar, dan bagaimana hal itu berdampak pada masyarakat. Pihak yang berkepentingan juga dapat meminta untuk diwawancarai oleh auditor setelah mereka berada di lokasi tambang.

Untuk Informasi Lebih Lanjut

  • Untuk mengikuti perkembangan penilaian IRMA, kunjungi situs web IRMA untuk halaman status penilaian independen Harita Nickel [English]
  • Untuk sumber daya berbahasa Indonesia atau untuk menghubungi Koordinator Penjangkauan Masyarakat IRMA yang berbasis di Indonesia, Andre Barahamin, kunjungi halaman selamat datang di Indonesia IRMA
  • Jika Anda ingin mendapatkan informasi lebih lanjut tentang bagaimana audit dilakukan terhadap standar IRMA — hubungi Direktur Jaminan IRMA: Michelle Smith, msmith@responsiblemining.net [English]
  • Pihak yang tertarik dapat menghubungi firma audit independen SCS Global Services  (feedback@scsglobalservices.com), untuk berkomentar atau meminta untuk diwawancarai sebagai bagian dari proses audit. Setidaknya 30 hari sebelum audit di tempat, SCS akan membuat pengumuman dan undangannya sendiri secara langsung ke komunitas lokal
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Credit: Harita Nickel/TBPCredit: Harita Nickel/TBPPress Release

Harita Nickel mine is first in Indonesia to commit to IRMA audit

7 October 2024By

[Indonesian version]

Seattle/Jakarta – 07 Oct 2024 –  PT Trimegah Bangun Persada, Tbk  or Harita Nickel, an integrated nickel mining and processing company, has committed its nickel mining and related processing operations to third-party independent assessment against the IRMA Standard for Responsible Mining. Harita Nickel’s mine is the first in Indonesia to formally commit to an IRMA audit. Harita Nickel is located on Obi Island, South Halmahera, North Maluku.

“By volunteering the Harita Nickel mining operation for independent audit against the world’s most rigorous global mining standard, Harita Nickel is providing unprecedented transparency into the operations of an Indonesian mine,” said IRMA Executive Director Aimee Boulanger. “Harita will provide affected stakeholders with information they can use to engage the company in dialogue about how to make their mine more responsible. This is especially timely given the importance of nickel to support the energy transition, and the demand from downstream purchasers to source more responsibly mined nickel, particularly for the automotive and renewable energy sectors.”

“Harita Nickel’s commitment to undergoing the rigorous IRMA audit reflects their dedication to responsible mining practices in Indonesia. We highly appreciate their initiative, which not only sets a benchmark for the industry but also supports the government’s vision for a more transparent, and environmentally and socially responsible mining sector. This effort underscores the importance of aligning national industrialization with global standards, ensuring long-term benefits for our communities and the environment,” said Septian Hario Seto, Indonesia’s Deputy of Coordinating Ministry of Maritime and Investment. 

“We want our purchasers to have confidence that they are buying responsibly sourced nickel,” said Roy Arman Arfandy, President Director of PT Trimegah Bangun Persada, Tbk (Harita Nickel). “By undergoing an independent IRMA audit, we aim to align our operations with best practices and, with affected stakeholders and rights holders, identify areas for ongoing improvement. We are committed to aligning with international standards for responsible mining for the long term.”

The Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) is (1) a voluntary mining standard describing best practices to protect people and the environment, (2) an assurance process to measure mines against that standard, and (3) an organization equally governed by representatives of six affected stakeholder sectors – communities, organized labor, NGOs, finance, purchasers and mining companies — that controls the standard and the assurance process. IRMA is globally unique in that its governance provides communities equal power to mining companies, and the non-commercial interests have the same power as commercial interests.

Harita Nickel holds mining licenses, under which mining operations commenced in 2010. Through its subsidiaries and affiliates, the Company has been operating high-grade nickel ore (saprolite) smelters since 2017, low-grade nickel ore (limonite) processing refinery facilities since 2021, and a nickel and cobalt sulfate refinery since 2023. All these facilities are located in Harita Nickel’s 2 active mining concession areas, on former mining pits. Harita Nickel produces key raw materials for electric vehicle batteries – by processing and refining low-grade nickel ore (limonite) using High-Pressure Acid Leach to produce Mixed Hydroxide Precipitate (MHP), which is then further processed into nickel sulfate (NiSO4) and cobalt sulfate (CoSO4).

SCS Global Services, an IRMA-approved independent audit firm, will be carrying out the assessment, which includes a desktop review (stage 1) followed by an onsite audit (stage 2). Using the contact information below, members of the affected community, public officials, representatives of the workforce, or other interested parties are invited to submit comments starting now regarding how the mine site is managing their impacts to the environment including air, water, waste, greenhouse gasses, and ecosystems; how the mine supports their workforce; and how the mine interacts with the surrounding community, and how it impacts the community. Interested parties may also ask to be interviewed by auditors once they are on the mine site.

For More Information

  • To follow the progress of the IRMA assessment, visit the IRMA website for Harita Nickel independent assessment status page
  • If you would like more information on how the audits are conducted against the IRMA standard — contact IRMA’s Director of Assurance: Michelle Smith, msmith@responsiblemining.net
  • Interested parties may contact the independent audit firm SCS Global Services, to share comments or to ask to be interviewed as part of the audit process.  At least 30 days prior to the onsite audit, SCS will make its own announcement and invitation directly to local communities and workers. The audit firm can be reached by email at: feedback@scsglobalservices.com
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Rustenburg. Credit: Sibanye-StillwaterRustenburg. Credit: Sibanye-StillwaterAudits

ERM CVS to Conduct On-site IRMA Assessment of Sibanye-Stillwater Rustenburg

5 October 2024By

ERM CVS Seeks Input from Local Community and Other Stakeholders

[isiXhosa | Setswana]

Today, 5 October 2024, ERM CVS announces that on November 4 – November 12, 2024 it will visit the Sibanye-
Stillwater Rustenburg mining operations in the Rustenburg local municipality, South Africa to conduct the onsite
phase of its independent, third-party Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) assessment of the
operation.

When finished, an IRMA assessment results in a public audit report released locally and on the internet. This report
will describe how ERM CVS scored Sibanye-Stillwater Rustenburg against each of the 400+ requirements of the IRMA
Standard for Responsible Mining, and why ERM CVS gave Sibanye-Stillwater Rustenburg that score. The report will
also assign an overall achievement level: IRMA Transparency, IRMA 50, IRMA 75, or IRMA 100.
Sibanye-Stillwater can use this information about the environmental and social impacts of the Rustenburg mining
operation to improve its practices. Other stakeholders, particularly affected communities, may use this audit report to
engage with Sibanye-Stillwater and others on a more equal footing to improve the operation in the ways that matter
most to them.

During ERM CVS’s time at Sibanye-Stillwater Rustenburg, they will collect feedback from local stakeholders – anyone
directly or indirectly affected by the mine — including community members, mine workers, and government officials.
The ERM CVS team will also inspect the operation and its associated facilities.

November 4 – November 12, 2024

ERM CVS invites you to sign-up for an interview while we are in the area, and/or submit written comments about Sibanye-Stillwater Rustenburg using the contact details below. You must contact us before 21 October 2024 to be interviewed. Written comments  submitted before 11 November 2024 will be considered.

Scan to access ERM CVS contact form
Scan to access ERM CVS contact form

On the web: ermcvs.com/contact-us
Email: post@ermcvs.com

Interviews occur without mine personnel present. Interviews with non-management workers occur without management present and occur offsite on request. Comments will be kept confidential upon request.

Your comments will help ERM CVS assess the impact of Sibanye-Stillwater Rustenburg on local communities and measure its performance against best mining practices.

ERM CVS is an independent IRMA-approved and trained audit firm. For more about ERM CVS visit ermcvs.com.

IRMA’s mission is to protect the environment and people directly affected by mining. For more about IRMA including
the assessment process, the IRMA Standard, and to see audit reports of other mines visit responsiblemining.net.

For Rustenburg audit status: responsiblemining.net/rustenburg

If you have concerns or complaints about the IRMA mine site assessment process or the IRMA Standard visit
responsiblemining.net/complaints

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Greenbushes town and lithium mine. Credit: Talison LithiumGreenbushes town and lithium mine. Credit: Talison LithiumAudits

Talison commits first Australian mine to IRMA audit

6 August 2024By

Talison Lithium commits first Australian mine to IRMA independent audit

Seattle/Perth – 6/7 Aug – Talison Lithium Pty Ltd has committed its Greenbushes Lithium Operation to third-party independent assessment against the IRMA Standard for Responsible Mining. Located in Western Australia, Greenbushes Lithium Operation is the first mine in Australia to volunteer its operation for IRMA audit.

“By volunteering Greenbushes Lithium Operation for independent audit against the world’s most rigorous global mining standard, Talison Lithium is providing unprecedented transparency into the operations of an Australian mine,” said IRMA Executive Director Aimee Boulanger. “They are effectively putting themselves under a microscope and  welcoming affected stakeholders to examine their mine and help them make their mine more responsible.”

“We care about a better future—and we know our stakeholders do as well. Whether it be employees, the community, or customers, we want them to know we are committed to responsible mining and production practices” said Ian McGuire, Interim Managing Director, Talison. “To achieve this, we need to provide those affected by our mine the information they need to engage in meaningful dialogue about where Talison is achieving best practice, and where there is more work to be done. That’s why we’re doing an IRMA audit.”

The Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) is (1) a voluntary mining standard describing best practices to protect people and the environment, (2) an assurance process to measure mines against that standard, and (3) an organization equally governed by representatives of six affected stakeholder sectors – communities, organized labor, NGOs, finance, purchasers and mining companies — that controls the standard and the assurance process. IRMA is globally unique in that its governance provides communities equal power to mining companies, and the non-commercial interests the same power as commercial interests.

Talison, a wholly owned subsidiary of Windfield Holdings Pty Ltd—privately held by Tianqi Lithium Energy Australia (TLEA), a joint venture between Tianqi Lithium Corporation (Tianqi) and IGO Limited (IGO) holding 51% and Albemarle Corporation (Albemarle) holding 49% operates the Greenbushes Lithium Operation.  With over 40 years of industry leadership, the Greenbushes Lithium Operation has been central to the establishment of the Australian lithium sector. Located 250 kilometers south of Perth, it is renowned as the world’s premier lithium asset. Its high-quality ore reserves make it a key supplier of lithium, a critical mineral for the global shift to cleaner energy. Employing more than 1,500 people, Talison is committed to working closely with its workforce, shareholders and the local community as it continues to expand.

SCS Global Services, an IRMA-approved independent audit firm, will be carrying out the assessment, which includes a desk review (stage 1) followed by an onsite audit (stage 2). Using the contact information below, members of the affected community, public officials, representatives of the workforce, or other organizations are invited to submit comments starting now 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 also ask to be interviewed by auditors once they are on the mine site.

For More Information:

  • To follow the progress of the IRMA assessment, visit the IRMA website for Talison Lithium’s Greenbushes Lithium Operation independent assessment status page
  • If you would like more information on how the audit of the Greenbushes operation will be conducted against the IRMA standard — contact IRMA’s Director of Assurance: Michelle Smith, msmith@responsiblemining.net
  • Interested parties may contact the independent audit firm SCS Global Services, to share comments or to ask to be interviewed as part of the audit process.  30 days prior to the onsite audit, SCS will make its own announcement and invitation directly to local communities and workers. The audit firm can be reached by email at: feedback@scsglobalservices.com
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Press Release

KPMG PRI approved to conduct IRMA audits

29 July 2024By

The Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) is pleased to announce that KPMG Performance Registrar Inc. (KPMG PRI) is now approved to conduct independent assessments of mining operations against the IRMA Standard for Responsible Mining. KPMG PRI joins ERM CVS and SCS Global Services to become the third IRMA approved verification body.

IRMA is a system in three parts:

  1. a global standard describing best practices for environmental and social responsibility, against which mines at any point in their journey to improve practices may be measured;
  2. an assessment process to measure achievement of mining operations against that standard such that the process builds trust in the independence of that assessment, and value for more responsible practice; and
  3. equal governance and oversight by mining affected stakeholders such that communities, labor unions and other public sector representatives have the same voting power as mining companies and other private sector representatives.

KPMG PRI will transparently and independently assess those mining operations which volunteer to be assessed against the 26 chapters and 400+ requirements of the IRMA Standard. Verification bodies announce their assessments in advance so that assessors can interview not just mine management, but also affected community members and mine workers (among others).

“The addition of KPMG PRI as an approved verification body underscores IRMA’s commitment to answering the increasing demand for responsibly sourced minerals.” — Aimee Boulanger, Executive Director of IRMA.

“KPMG PRI is proud to become an IRMA approved verification body. We believe mining must be done responsibly, and the public and private sectors need transparent, independent assessments of mineral extraction that they can trust. KPMG’s reputation as a trusted assurance provider globally, combined with our deep knowledge of the mining sector means that we are well positioned to provide these services.” — Kim Swanzey, ESG and Sustainability Partner, KPMG LLP.

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At the Unki audit. Credit: Michelle SmithAt the Unki audit. Credit: Michelle SmithBlog

Community perspectives on IRMA: The Unki Mine audit

22 July 2024By

In late June the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA, an IRMA member) published Community success stories: Tracking service delivery and environmental issues, a blog explaining the Shurugwi Development Trust’s experiences with the independent audit of Anglo American’s Unki platinum group metals mine in Zimbabwe. We excerpt it below:

Through meetings facilitated by the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA), Unki mine embarked on a third party-audit process against the IRMA standard in 2019 that involved the Shurugwi community, [achieved] IRMA 75 in the audit report. In 2022, a surveillance audit for Unki Mine was done, communities shared their concerns with the audit firm SCS Global. This was after the mine publicly audited against the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) [voluntary] standard for Responsible Mining in 2019.

ZELA, which is the only Zimbabwean member of the IRMA Civil Society Organisations global working group on worker and community engagement rights participated in development of data collection tools for communities such as the Community impact survey, IRMA Audits and Communities, sample letter to mining company, tools that can be used to monitor service delivery, engage with mining companies and government. The IRMA processes have enhanced Unki Mine’s relationship with the community, through the community engagement forum which meets quarterly to discuss the company’s mining operations in the community.

Benefits of the Unki IRMA processes and audit to the Shurugwi Community

  • There is now great improvement in the relationship and trust between the company and the community.
  • There is now an active quarterly community engagement forum meeting where 2 people were selected from each of the surrounding villages to represent the community. The relationship is promoting access to information which is enshrined in Section 62 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
  • In addition to the Community Engagement Forum, there is an emergency and response Coordinator which includes village chairpersons.
  • The IRMA audit report is a source of information, assists in identifying gaps and strengths to improve our engagements with government through evidence gathering on mining operations and their impact on communities’ wellbeing, rights and the environment.
  • The IRMA audit reports assist us in carrying out our advocacy work and provides us with information to participate in national, regional and international dialogues such as Alternative Mining Indaba.
  • Unki mine funded 4 partners – Technoserve, World vision, Zvandiri and Apostolic Women Empowerment Trust (AWET) – to implement community development projects.
  • The company is capacitating women with knowledge on their health and empowering them to stand for their rights. It also encourages women in the apostolic sect to register and go for hospital deliveries.  In support, AWET also trains behavior change facilitators (BCFs) on safe motherhood.
  • Unki mine promoted hygiene in the community, building Double Blair Ventilated Improved Pit Latrines in ward 19 and part of ward 18 (now ward 4).
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