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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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.”
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.
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:
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.
If you would like more information on how the audit of the Unki operation is conducted against the IRMA standard — contact IRMA’s Assurance Director: audits@responsiblemining.net.
Brazilian Mine achieves IRMA Transparency when audited against the world’s only equally governed mining standard
On 9 October 2025 the Initiative for Responsible Mining (IRMA) released the audit report of Gerdau’s Várzea do Lopes iron ore mine against the IRMA Standard for Responsible Mining. The Várzea do Lopes Mine is located in Brazil’s Minas Gerais state in the municipality of Itabirito. Independent audit firm SCS Global Services assessed the Várzea do Lopes Mine at IRMA Transparency when measuring its performance against the Standard’s best practice social and environmental criteria.
IRMA Transparency means that the operation has been independently audited against all relevant requirements in IRMA’s Standard and has publicly shared its audit scores and the basis for auditors’ findings. By sharing such extensive information, a mine provides diverse stakeholders with the information needed to understand the mine’s operations and encourage improvement as needed. The full audit report is available on the Várzea do Lopes 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 July 17, 2025, Gerdau announced the signing of an agreement for the full transfer of mining rights related to the operation of the Várzea do Lopes Mine, located in Itabirito (MG). The new holder of these rights is Várzea do Lopes Mineração S.A., a company controlled by the same partners of Avante Participações e Negócios Ltda.
With this transaction, the new holder of the mining rights assumes full responsibility for the operation and production of iron ore at the Várzea do Lopes Mine.
This initiative is part of Gerdau’s process of reorganizing its mining assets, aiming to concentrate its own mining operations in the Miguel Burnier asset, located in Ouro Preto (MG).
Including the Várzea do Lopes Mine, 26 industrial-scale mines worldwide are within the IRMA independent assessment 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. Following the release of the initial audit, a surveillance audit checks on the mine’s performance. Three years after the initial audit, the operation is fully audited again.
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).
For More Information:
Adan Olivares Castro, Regional Lead, Americas and the Caribbean contact@responsiblemining.net +1.360.217.9080 (WhatsApp)
Mina brasileira alcança IRMA Transparência após ser auditada de acordo com o único padrão de mineração do mundo com governança igualitária
9 de outubro de 2025 – A Iniciativa de Asseguração de Mineração Responsável (IRMA) publicou o relatório de auditoria do Complexo Várzea do Lopes, da Gerdau, com base no Padrão IRMA para Mineração Responsável. A Complexo Várzea do Lopes está localizada no estado brasileiro de Minas Gerais, no município de Itabirito. A empresa de auditoria independente SCS Global Services avaliou a Complexo Várzea do Lopes com o IRMA Transparência ao medir seu desempenho em relação aos critérios sociais e ambientais de melhores práticas da Padrão.
IRMA Transparência significa que a operação foi auditada de forma independente em relação a todos os requisitos relevantes do Padrão IRMA e que compartilhou publicamente suas pontuações de auditoria e a base para as conclusões dos auditores. Ao compartilhar essas informações abrangentes, uma mina fornece às diversas partes interessadas as informações necessárias para compreender as operações da mina e incentivar melhorias, conforme necessário. O relatório completo da auditoria está disponível na página de auditoria do Complexo Várzea do Lopes no site do 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 17 de julho de 2025, a Gerdau anunciou a assinatura de um acordo para a transferência integral dos direitos minerários relacionados à operação da Mina Várzea do Lopes, localizada em Itabirito (MG). A nova detentora desses direitos é a Várzea do Lopes Mineração S.A., empresa controlada pelos mesmos sócios da Avante Participações e Negócios Ltda.
Com essa transação, o novo detentor dos direitos minerários assume total responsabilidade pela operação e produção de minério de ferro no Complexo Várzea do Lopes.
Esta iniciativa faz parte do processo de reorganização dos ativos de mineração da Gerdau, com o objetivo de concentrar suas operações de mineração no ativo Miguel Burnier, localizado em Ouro Preto (MG).
Incluindo a Complexo Várzea do Lopes, 26 minas de escala industrial em todo o mundo estão dentro do sistema de avaliação independente da IRMA. Após uma autoavaliação inicial, uma mina participante contrata uma empresa de auditoria externa – treinada e aprovada pela IRMA – para realizar uma avaliação independente detalhada, incluindo visitas in loco à mina e às comunidades próximas. Após a liberação da auditoria inicial, uma auditoria de controle verifica o desempenho da mina. Três anos após a auditoria inicial, a operação é submetida novamente a uma auditoria completa.
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).
From IRMA approved independent auditor ERM CVS. View/download the announcement as PDF in Afrikaans | English | Setswana
ERM CVS to Conduct On-site IRMA Surveillance Assessment of Anglo American/Kumba Iron Ore Sishen operations
ERM CVS Seeks Input from Local Community and Other Stakeholders
ERM CVS announces that on 22-24 October 2025 it will visit the Anglo American – Kumba Iron Ore – Sishen mining operations in South Africa’s Northern Cape province to conduct an independent, third-party Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) surveillance assessment of the operation.
The initial audit report of Anglo American – Kumba Iron Ore – Sishen mine operations was released on 27 March 2024 with an achievement level of IRMA 75. The report is available on the IRMA website: https://responsiblemining.net/sishen
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 Anglo American 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.
22-24 October 2025
Your comments will help ERM CVS assess the impact of Anglo American – Kumba Iron Ore – Sishen 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 Anglo American – Kumba Iron Ore – Sishen mine using the contact details below.
Interviews can be held in English, Setswana and Afrikaans. Interviews requested by 15 October 2025 can be conducted remotely or in-person. Interview requests after 15 October can be in-person if time permits, and remotely if it does not. Feedback and comments can be submitted anytime until 24 October 2025.
From IRMA approved independent auditor ERM CVS. View/download the announcement as PDF in Afrikaans | English | Setswana
ERM CVS to Conduct On-site IRMA Surveillance Assessment of Anglo American/Kumba Iron Ore Kolomela operations
ERM CVS Seeks Input from Local Community and Other Stakeholders
ERM CVS announces that on 20-21 October 2025 it will visit the Anglo American – Kumba Iron Ore – Kolomela mining operations in South Africa’s Northern Cape province to conduct an independent, third-party Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) surveillance assessment of the operation.
The initial audit report of Anglo American – Kumba Iron Ore – Kolomela mine operations was released on 27 March 2024 with an achievement level of IRMA 75. The report is available on the IRMA website: https://responsiblemining.net/kolomela.
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 Anglo American 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.
20-21 October 2025
Your comments will help ERM CVS assess the impact of Anglo American – Kumba Iron Ore – Kolomela 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 Anglo American – Kumba Iron Ore – Kolomela mine using the contact details below.
Interviews can be held in English, Setswana and Afrikaans. Interviews requested by 13 October 2025 can be conducted remotely or in-person. Interview requests made after 13 October can be in-person if time permits, and remotely if it does not. Feedback and comments can be submitted anytime until 21 October 2025.
[This blog was co-authored by Kristi Disney Bruckner and Pierre Petit-de Pasquale]
As we return from the Africa Climate Summit 2.0 and participate in Climate Week NYC, it seems especially timely to answer the question, “What’s new on climate action in the second draft of the DRAFT IRMA Mining Standard v2.0?”
We’d like to take this opportunity to share substantial updates on coverage of this topic in the proposed Chapter 4.6: Climate Action.
Requirements for sites to assess their own contribution to climate change, in collaboration with stakeholders.
Requirements that sites consider energy efficiency and minimization of greenhouse gas emissions when selecting technology options and alternatives for energy sources, mining and processing methods, technologies and equipment, and the design of new buildings and facilities, as well as when there are opportunities to replace, upgrade, or add technology, or change processes.
Including emissions from land use changes and reductions in land carbon stock arising from the site’s direct activities in the quantification of Scope 1 and 2 emissions.
Requiring screening and calculation of Scope 3 emissions using credible methodologies, verified by a credible third-party expert.
Annual measure of energy consumption from sources of Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions.
Requiring sites to undertake a scoping exercise, in accordance with the mitigation hierarchy, to identify sources of direct and/or indirect emissions that can be eliminated and/or that have the highest reduction potential, for which energy efficiency could be improved, and—as a last resort—opportunities for carbon capture and storage of any emissions that cannot be avoided.
Prioritizing these options, while ensuring that any emission-reduction opportunity takes into consideration the potential adverse social and human rights impacts arising from its implementation.
Requiring sites to have greenhouse gas (GHG) and energy targets that are in line with the Paris Agreement at either the level of the site or the level of the company, unless the site meets all the criteria for Green Enabling Projects and can demonstrate the environmental benefits of its production’s end-use.
Requiring sites to have a GHG and energy management plan that builds on the scoping, prioritization and target-setting requirements.
Integrating traditional knowledge, and especially traditional ecological knowledge, of local affected communities, and Indigenous rights-holders if applicable, into scoping, development, implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of the GHG and energy management plan.
Requiring sites to track and document their performances on increasing the proportion of energy consumed at the site that comes from renewable sources, over successive time periods, against the targets required.
Using the monitoring and evaluation results to develop and implement time-bound corrective measures to continuously improve the scoping, target-setting, management/mitigation, and monitoring processes.
Requiring more information to be made publicly accessible. (See details in Section 4.6.11).
What do you think?
We’d love your input on these proposed updates to the Climate Action Chapter and on any proposed updates to the IRMA Standard. You can submit comments on our online commenting form, simply send your comments to comments@responsiblemining.net or via WhatsApp to +1-303-202-1445, or use any of the many options for submitting comments here.
Learn more about the DRAFT IRMA Mining Standard v2.0 public consultation, open to all through 22 October 2025 here.
Thank you for sharing your experience and insights to improve the IRMA Mining Standard!
Today IRMA entered a new collaboration to advance more responsible mining.
At the International Forum on Sustainable Mineral Supply Chains in Xiamen, IRMA and the China Chamber of Commerce of Metals, Minerals & Chemicals Importers & Exporters (CCCMC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen collaboration on responsible mineral production.
Through this agreement, IRMA and CCCMC will work together to:
✅ Align standards and reduce duplication across assurance models
✅ Pilot co-audits to streamline expectations
✅ Provide joint training and capacity-building at mine sites
✅ Exchange lessons on system-wide grievance mechanisms
✅ Maintain ongoing dialogue to respond to global trends and stakeholder needs
This marks an important step in promoting transparency, accountability, and positive outcomes across the minerals value chain.
Our goal is to make responsible mining standards accessible to all stakeholders, everywhere. The translation was made possible thanks to the fantastic work of Landscape Consulting.
The urgency to decarbonize industries like mining and steel is stronger than ever. Around the world, governments, businesses, and investors are racing to reduce emissions and meet climate targets. But amid this urgency, there is an equally important question; how do we make sure that the communities and workers most affected by these transitions are not left behind? For workers, communities, and Indigenous Peoples, the shift to low-carbon economies can bring uncertainty as well as opportunity. Without deliberate action, there’s a real risk that many will be left behind, displaced by job losses, or burdened by the impacts of change without sharing in the benefits.
This is where Voluntary Sustainability Standards (VSSs) like IRMA’s Standard for Responsible Mining play an essential role. They help translate “just transition” into concrete action by setting clear expectations and guidance for companies, creating accountability mechanisms that allow workers and communities to raise concerns and seek remedies, and providing support to protect the rights and livelihoods of those most affected. In doing so, VSSs help ensure that transitions are not only fast but also center justice at the heart of climate targets.
Earlier this month, IRMA and ResponsibleSteel co-hosted a webinar to share the findings of our joint project on how voluntary sustainability standards (VSSs) can support just transition in the mining and steel sectors.
The project drew on an extensive literature review, more than 30 in-depth interviews, and two multi-stakeholder workshops in Johannesburg and Brussels. Perspectives came from organized labour, affected communities, Indigenous Rights Holders, mining companies, steelmakers, civil society, and supply chain actors.
Setting the stage
ResponsibleSteel CEO Annie Heaton opened the webinar with a reminder of the urgency of the moment. Decarbonisation, automation, and digitalisation are reshaping industries at speed, but workers and communities risk being left behind:
“This isn’t just about how fast we hit climate targets,” she said. “It’s about how well we protect workers, communities, and the environment along the way.”
IRMA’s Executive Director, Amy Boulanger, followed with a reminder of our shared reliance on mining:
“Every phone, car, and building depends on it,” she said. “The question is: how do we create value for responsibility, not just extraction? There is no supply chain security without community consent.”
What we heard from stakeholders
The engagement process brought a diverse range of perspectives, but several clear themes stood out:
Justice is the foundation, not an add-on. Justice must sit at the heart of transitions.
Social dialogue must be meaningful. Too often, workers and communities are consulted too late, with little influence on outcomes.
Reskilling must connect to real opportunities. As one labour representative put it: “Reskilling is the headline, but redeployment is the lifeline.”
Indigenous Peoples must be partners. Rights to self-determination and Free, Prior and Informed Consent must be respected in practice, not just principle.
We also heard about “tick-box” stakeholder engagement and training programmes that fail to lead to decent work. Indigenous Rights Holders in particular challenged the framing of just transition:
“Our way of life is already sustainable, yet we carry the heaviest burdens.”
A framework for action
To translate these insights into practice, IRMA and ResponsibleSteel developed a framework of nine principles and 52 criteria, structured around four pillars: rights and equity, procedural justice, distributive justice, and restorative justice.
Divergent views
Not all questions were resolved. There was significant debate on whether VSSs should define “just transition” and whether historical reparations should be part of the agenda. Some stakeholders argued that justice cannot be separated from history, while others cautioned that reparations could stretch standards beyond their mandate. What is clear is that these tensions cannot be ignored by VSSs, and that transparency and context-specific approaches are essential.
Recommendations for VSSs
The project also identified five priority recommendations for voluntary sustainability standards:
Ensure transparent, inclusive governance.
Co-develop principles and requirements with affected communities, workers, Indigenous Rights Holders, civil society, and business.
Provide practical implementation support to companies.
Strengthen assurance systems so that audits reflect the lived realities of workers and affected communities.
Collaboration with governments, peer standards, labour, and civil society on just transition is key.
For IRMA, the next steps are clear:
Our Standard revision is currently underway, with public comment open until 22 October. As part of this process, we are engaging Expert Advisors on Climate Action to carry the just transition work forward. We will also continue strengthening the Standard in direct response to the challenges raised by workers, communities, Indigenous Rights Holders, and other stakeholders. In addition, new auditor training is being developed to ensure that the lived realities of workers and communities are fully reflected in assurance.
For ResponsibleSteel, the focus is on integrating just transition into its standard revision through a multi-stakeholder working group and a 60-day public consultation later this year.
Final reflections
The project showed both the urgency and complexity of just transition. Voluntary standards cannot solve every challenge, but they can provide the frameworks, accountability, and assurance needed to guide transitions responsibly.
