Labor

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)

A new resource for the labor sector is now available on the IRMA website.

Labor unions and workers, as key stakeholders in mining operations, have a significant interest in how workplace conditions, labor rights, and safety standards are managed. This is particularly important as the industry expands to meet the growing demand for minerals essential to the global energy transition. Current and emerging regulations, along with the expectations of workers, labor organizations, and mining companies seeking to mitigate risk and maintain a stable workforce, are driving the industry to adopt more transparent and responsible labor practices.

IRMA recognizes the challenges workers and labor organizations face, including inconsistencies in regulatory enforcement, historical gaps in labor protections, and the complexities of operating in high-risk regions. How IRMA Benefits Labor summarizes how labor organizations and workers can use IRMA’s credible system to advocate for their rights, improve working conditions, and ensure greater accountability in the mining industry as it expands to meet the growing demand.