Iron Ore

Sishen Mine. Credit: Anglo AmericanSishen Mine. Credit: Anglo AmericanAudits

Audits released for first African iron ore mines

Two Anglo American mines are first African iron ore operations audited against the IRMA Standard for Responsible Mining

Kolomela and Sishen achieve IRMA 75

UPDATED 5 April with recording of 4 April webinar

27 March 2024 – Today the Initiative for Responsible Mining (IRMA) released the audits of Kumba Iron Ore’s Kolomela and Sishen iron ore operations against the IRMA Standard for Responsible Mining. Independent audit firm ERM-CVS assessed both operations at IRMA 75 when measuring their performance against the Standard’s best practice social and environmental criteria. Kumba Iron Ore is an Anglo American subsidiary.

The IRMA 75 achievement level means that ERM-CVS verified that the operations at least substantially met all 40 critical requirements of the IRMA Standard, as well as at least 75% of the Standard’s criteria in each of the four principle areas: social responsibility, environmental responsibility, business integrity and planning for positive legacies. The full audit reports are available on the Kolomela and Sishen audit pages on the IRMA website.

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

“This report demonstrates that mines 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 first steps in a deepening dialogue between mining companies and those affected by their operations. Because the process is still evolving, IRMA cautions that the initial results should be reviewed and interpreted accordingly.

“These mines began audits during the early COVID years. The timeline was delayed by travel challenges, and then the company’s decision to use the optional corrective action period to make improvements. The public has long awaited opportunity to review the information included here, and we applaud Anglo American for volunteering these mines for audit against such comprehensive criteria.” Ms. Boulanger went on to say, “That said, the IRMA Standard is relatively new for companies that volunteer to be audited, and even our accredited auditors are still learning. The same is true for community members and workers who are interviewed as part of the process, some of whom may not yet feel comfortable engaging. So, the Amandelbult and Mototolo audits need to be read with this in mind.”

The report also provides an honest accounting of IRMA’s own progress as the Standard and assessment process continue to mature.

“If the results don’t fully reflect the experience of communities, Indigenous rights holders 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.”

The IRMA Standard is being updated in 2024; input on how to improve the IRMA Standard is welcomed. Chapters in the IRMA Standard include requirements on protection to human rights, water resources, worker health and safety, biodiversity, Indigenous free, prior, informed consent and more.

“Committing to an IRMA audit reflects our desire to improve and our openness to dialogue”

Mpumi Zikalala, Chief Executive for Kumba Iron Ore said, “Our achievement of IRMA 75 for Kolomela and Sishen mines is testament to the hard work of our teams. The result is informed by evidence from a diverse range of stakeholders including employees, governments, NGOs, and communities alike. This invaluable input will drive our ongoing efforts to enhance sustainability performance. Achieving excellent results in IRMA audits serves as recognition and proof of our commitment to high standards, best practices, transparency and assurance.”

Including Kolomela and Sishen, 19 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 shorter surveillance audit checks on the mine’s performance. Three years after the initial audit, the operation is fully audited again (Note: The first mines audited in the IRMA system have had extensions to this timeline due to Covid delays and launch-phase learning; updated full reviews will be required to maintain or increase achievement scores.)

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).


Apr 4th Webinar Q&A

For More Information:

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

Audits released for Anglo’s Barro Alto, Minas-Rio

Anglo American’s Barro Alto, Minas-Rio operations in Brazil audited against the IRMA Standard for Responsible Mining

First nickel, iron mines to complete IRMA audits, both Barro Alto and Minas-Rio achieve IRMA 75

UPDATE 14 Feb: Webinar recording in English and Português added.

IRMA 75 achievement badge

07 Feb 2024 – Today the Initiative for Responsible Mining (IRMA) released the results of independent audits of Anglo American’s Barro Alto nickel and Minas-Rio iron ore operations against the IRMA Standard for Responsible Mining. The mines achieved IRMA 75 when two independent audit firms measured their performance on concrete social and environmental impact criteria.

IRMA oversees the only independent, comprehensive process for assessing individual mines’ performance against an equally governed, consensus-based standard — and for measuring their subsequent progress in reducing social and environmental harm. The rigorous IRMA process invites all those currently or potentially affected by a mine to share their experiences and perspectives with the auditing team.

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).

Barro Alto and Minas-Rio join 17 other industrial-scale mines worldwide that are independently assessing against the IRMA Standard. 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 75 means the audit firms ERM-CVS (Barro Alto) and SCS Global (Minas-Rio) verified that the operations met all critical requirements of the IRMA Standard, as well as at least 75% 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 reports are available in Results tab of the Barro Alto and Minas-Rio audit pages on the IRMA website.

“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 and the steel supply chain can now 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.

“These mines began audits during the early Covid years. The timeline was delayed by travel challenges, and then the company’s decision to use the optional corrective action period to make improvements. The public has long awaited opportunity to review the information included here, and we applaud Anglo American for volunteering the first iron and nickel mines for audit against such comprehensive criteria.” Ms. Boulanger went on to say, “That said, the IRMA Standard is relatively new for companies that volunteer to be audited, and even our accredited auditors are still learning. The same is true for community members and workers who are interviewed as part of the process, some of whom may not yet feel comfortable engaging. So the Barro Alto and Minas-Rio audit reports need to be read with this in mind.”

The report also provides an honest accounting of IRMA’s own progress as the Standard and assessment process continue to mature.

“If the results don’t fully reflect the experience of communities, Indigenous rights holders 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.”

The IRMA Standard is being updated in 2024; input on how to improve the IRMA Standard is welcomed. Chapters in the IRMA Standard include requirements on protection to human rights, water resources, worker health and safety, biodiversity, Indigenous free, prior, informed consent and more.

“Committing to an IRMA audit reflects our desire to improve and our openness to dialogue”

Ana Sanches, CEO of Anglo American in Brazil, said: “Anglo American’s achievement of IRMA 75 is a first for a nickel and an iron ore mine and is a testament to the hard work of our teams at Barro Alto and Minas-Rio. Participating in IRMA audits for our operations serve as recognition and proof of our commitment to high standard best practice, transparency and assurance, while it also provides independently verified next steps for further improvement. This transparent positive-feedback loop ensures we continue to improve our sustainability practices, leads to better ways to do business and creates greater value for employees, governments, NGOs, customers and communities alike.

Feb 8th Webinar Q&A – slides

Português – Webinar IRMA sobre relatórios de auditoria de Barro Alto/Minas-Rio

English – IRMA webinar re Barro Alto/Minas-Rio audit reports

 For More Information:

 

 

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Audits

Auditoria de campo independente de acordo com a Norma IRMA para Mineração Responsável, Mina Várzea do Lopes

Entre 28 de agosto e 05 de setembro de 2023, a SCS Global Services (SCS) realizará uma auditoria de terceira parte na mina de minério de ferro Várzea do Lopes, da Gerdau Açominas, com relação à Iniciativa de Garantia de Mineração Responsável (IRMA). A IRMA é um sistema de auditoria voluntário que fornece um conjunto de diretrizes de melhores práticas e requisitos de engajamento participativo das partes interessadas, criado para melhorar o desempenho ambiental e social das operações de mineração.

A auditoria independente e de terceira parte oferece às partes interessadas, incluindo membros da comunidade, trabalhadores, sindicatos, representantes do governo e outros grupos afetados, a oportunidade de dar sua opinião sobre o desempenho ambiental, de saúde, de segurança e de relacionamento com a comunidade da mina. A SCS usará os comentários das partes interessadas para ajudar a determinar o desempenho da operação da Mina Várzea do Lopes em relação à Norma IRMA.

Os interessados são convidados a enviar comentários por escrito para coincidir com a auditoria de campo.

As partes interessadas também podem entrar em contato com a SCS se quiserem ser entrevistadas. As entrevistas serão realizadas virtualmente (telefone ou videoconferência) ou pessoalmente. Os comentários, perguntas e solicitações de entrevistas podem ser feitos por meio do link abaixo; as identidades e observações dos comentaristas serão mantidas em sigilo mediante solicitação.

Link para contato: https://info.scsglobalservices.com/feedback-das-partes-interessadas-do-irma

Após a conclusão da auditoria na Mina Várzea do Lopes, pertencente à Gerdau, os resultados da auditoria independente serão publicados pela IRMA, que apresentará uma pontuação geral de realização: IRMA Transparência, IRMA 50, IRMA 75 ou IRMA 100.

A SCS é uma empresa de certificação aprovada pela IRMA com sede em Emeryville, Califórnia. Para obter mais informações sobre a SCS, visite www.scsglobalservices.com.

A Norma IRMA é a mais completa norma de mineração do mundo para minas em escala industrial e a única administrada igualmente por todas as partes interessadas: empresas de mineração, compradores de minérios, investidores, organizações trabalhistas, comunidades e ONGs da sociedade civil.  A auditoria no local da mina de acordo com a Norma IRMA é voluntária.  Para obter mais informações sobre os requisitos e a certificação da Norma IRMA, acesse www.responsiblemining.net.

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Audits

28 Aug onsite audit for Gerdau’s Várzea do Lopes Mine

Between August 28 and September 5, 2023, SCS Global Services (SCS) will commence an independent audit of Gerdau’s Várzea do Lopes Iron Ore Mine operation to evaluate its performance under the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) Standard for Responsible Mining.  IRMA is a voluntary assessment system that provides a set of best practice standards and participatory stakeholder engagement requirements created to improve mining operations’ environmental and social performance.

The third-party, independent audit provides stakeholders, including community members, workers, organized labor, government representatives, and other interested parties, the opportunity to give feedback on the mine’s environmental, health, safety, and community performance.  SCS will use stakeholder comments to help determine how the Várzea do Lopes Mine operation performs relative to the IRMA Standard.

Stakeholders are invited to submit written comments to coincide with the on-site audit.  Stakeholders may also contact SCS if they would like to be interviewed.  Interviews will take place virtually (telephone or videoconference) or in person.  Stakeholder comments, questions, and interview requests can be made through the link below; commenters’ identities and remarks are kept confidential upon request.

Link:   https://info.scsglobalservices.com/irmafeedback

Upon completion of the Gerdau’s Várzea doLopes Mine audit, IRMA will publish the independent audit results and present an overall achievement score: IRMA Transparency, IRMA 50, IRMA 75, or IRMA 100.

SCS is an IRMA-approved certification body with head offices in Emeryville, California.  For more information about SCS, please visit www.scsglobalservices.com.

The IRMA Standard is the world’s most comprehensive mining standard for industrial-scale mines and the only one equally governed by all stakeholders: mining companies, mineral purchasers, investors, organized labor, communities, and civil society NGOs.  Mine site verification under the IRMA Standard is voluntary.  For more information on the IRMA Standard requirements and certification, visit www.responsiblemining.net.

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Audits

Auditoria de campo independente de acordo com a Norma IRMA para Mineração Responsável, Mina Miguel Burnier

Entre 28 de agosto e 05 de setembro de 2023, a SCS Global Services (SCS) realizará uma auditoria de terceira parte na mina de minério de ferro Miguel Burnier, da Gerdau Açominas, com relação à Iniciativa de Garantia de Mineração Responsável (IRMA). A IRMA é um sistema de auditoria voluntário que fornece um conjunto de diretrizes de melhores práticas e requisitos de engajamento participativo das partes interessadas, criado para melhorar o desempenho ambiental e social das operações de mineração.

A auditoria independente e de terceira parte oferece às partes interessadas, incluindo membros da comunidade, trabalhadores, sindicatos, representantes do governo e outros grupos afetados, a oportunidade de dar sua opinião sobre o desempenho ambiental, de saúde, de segurança e de relacionamento com a comunidade da mina. A SCS usará os comentários das partes interessadas para ajudar a determinar o desempenho da operação da Mina Miguel Burnier em relação à Norma IRMA.

Os interessados são convidados a enviar comentários por escrito para coincidir com a auditoria de campo.

As partes interessadas também podem entrar em contato com a SCS se quiserem ser entrevistadas. As entrevistas serão realizadas virtualmente (telefone ou videoconferência) ou pessoalmente. Os comentários, perguntas e solicitações de entrevistas podem ser feitos por meio do link abaixo; as identidades e observações dos comentaristas serão mantidas em sigilo mediante solicitação.

Link para contato: https://info.scsglobalservices.com/feedback-das-partes-interessadas-do-irma

Após a conclusão da auditoria na Mina Miguel Burnier, pertencente à Gerdau, os resultados da auditoria independente serão publicados pela IRMA, que apresentará uma pontuação geral de realização: IRMA Transparência, IRMA 50, IRMA 75 ou IRMA 100.

A SCS é uma empresa de certificação aprovada pela IRMA com sede em Emeryville, Califórnia. Para obter mais informações sobre a SCS, visite http://www.scsglobalservices.com/.

A Norma IRMA é a mais completa norma de mineração do mundo para minas em escala industrial e a única administrada igualmente por todas as partes interessadas: empresas de mineração, compradores de minérios, investidores, organizações trabalhistas, comunidades e ONGs da sociedade civil.  A auditoria no local da mina de acordo com a Norma IRMA é voluntária.  Para obter mais informações sobre os requisitos e a certificação da Norma IRMA, acesse www.responsiblemining.net.

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Audits

Onsite audit for Gerdau’s Miguel Burnier Mine coming 28 August

Between August 28 and September 5, 2023, SCS Global Services (SCS) will commence an independent audit of Gerdau’s Miguel Burnier Iron Ore Mine operation to evaluate its performance under the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) Standard for Responsible Mining.  IRMA is a voluntary assessment system that provides a set of best practice standards and participatory stakeholder engagement requirements created to improve mining operations’ environmental and social performance.

The third-party, independent audit provides stakeholders, including community members, workers, organized labor, government representatives, and other interested parties, the opportunity to give feedback on the mine’s environmental, health, safety, and community performance.  SCS will use stakeholder comments to help determine how the Miguel Burnier Mine operation performs relative to the IRMA Standard.

Stakeholders are invited to submit written comments to coincide with the on-site audit.  Stakeholders may also contact SCS if they would like to be interviewed.  Interviews will take place virtually (telephone or videoconference) or in person.  Stakeholder comments, questions, and interview requests can be made through the link below; commenters’ identities and remarks are kept confidential upon request.

Link:   https://info.scsglobalservices.com/irmafeedback

Upon completion of the Gerdau’s Miguel Burnier Mine audit, IRMA will publish the independent audit results and present an overall achievement score: IRMA Transparency, IRMA 50, IRMA 75, or IRMA 100.

SCS is an IRMA-approved certification body with head offices in Emeryville, California.  For more information about SCS, please visit www.scsglobalservices.com.

The IRMA Standard is the world’s most comprehensive mining standard for industrial-scale mines and the only one equally governed by all stakeholders: mining companies, mineral purchasers, investors, organized labor, communities, and civil society NGOs.  Mine site verification under the IRMA Standard is voluntary.  For more information on the IRMA Standard requirements and certification, visit www.responsiblemining.net.

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Gerdau logoGerdau logoBlog

Gerdau commits two operations to IRMA independent assessment

The Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) is pleased to announce that the Brazilian steelmaker Gerdau has committed to third-party independent assessments of its Várzea do Lopes and Miguel Burnier iron ore mining operations in Minas Gerais against the IRMA Standard for Responsible Mining. Both mining complexes have been in operation since 2006.

SCS Global Services, an IRMA-approved certification body, will be carrying out the assessment, which includes a desk review (stage 1) followed by an onsite audit (stage 2). After SCS’s draft audit report is reviewed by IRMA and Gerdau, Gerdau may release the report or has the option to take up to twelve months to implement a Corrective Action Plan before the audit firm assigns a Performance Level.

Stakeholder Engagement in the Assessment

Interested stakeholders and members of the public can sign up to receive updates about the Gerdau independent assessments (e.g., the timing of the stage 2 onsite visit, link to public summary of audit results). The Mines Under Assessment page of IRMA’s website will also provide up-to-date information on all assessments.

Mine site stakeholders are invited to submit comments to SCS Global Services regarding the social and environmental performance of the Gerdau operations (in particular, how the performance of the mine sites measuree against the IRMA Standard for Responsible Mining).

Stakeholders of the Gerdau mines may also contact SCS Global Services if they are interested in being interviewed as part of the assessment process.

Stakeholder comments and expressions of interest in being interviewed as part of the audit process can also be submitted by email or mail to:

SCS Global Services
2000 Powell St. #600 Emeryville, California, USA 94608
feedback@scsglobalservices.com

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

For more information

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Blog

IRMA Announcement: On-site audit of Minas Rio, in December

The Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) announces that, in addition to the five audits recently announced, another on-site audit has been scheduled. Auditors will be carrying out on-site audit activities at the Minas Rio iron ore mine in December 2021.

  • Minas Rio, Zona Rural, Conceição do Mato Dentro, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
    On-site audit dates: 9 – 12 December.

SCS Global Services , an IRMA-approved certification body, will be carrying out the on-site assessment at the Minas Rio site.

Stakeholder engagement in the assessment

Stakeholders should contact SCS Global Services if they are interested in being interviewed as part of the assessment process. Interviews with local stakeholders will be scheduled to take place during the on-site audit and may be virtual or in-person, taking into consideration COVID-19 precautions.

Stakeholders are also invited to submit comments to SCS Global Services on the social and environmental performance of the mine (in particular, how the site measures against the IRMA Standard for Responsible Mining).

SCS Global Services

Email: scourter@scsglobalservices.com

Mail: 2000 Powell Street, Ste. 600 Emeryville, CA 94608 USA

Phone: +1 (510) 993-0127

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

For More Information

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Blog

IRMA Announcement: On-site audits scheduled at five mines

The Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) annouces that auditors will be carrying out on-site audits at five mines, starting in late November.  The mine sites, and on-site audit dates, are as follows:

  • Amandelbult, near Chromite, in Limpopo province, South Africa.
    On-site audit dates: 29 November – December 4.
  • Barro Alto, near Barro Alto, in the State of Goiás, Brazil.
    On-site audit dates: 29 November – December 3. (View the audit announcement in Portuguese)
  • Kolomela, near Postmasburg, in Northern Cape province, South Africa.
    On-site audit dates:  6 December – December 11.
  • Mototolo-Der Brochen, near Steelpoort, in Limpopo province, South Africa.
    On-site audit dates:  6 December – December 11.
  • Sishen, near Kathu, in Northern Cape province, South Africa.
    On-site audit dates: 29 November – December 4.

ERM Certification and Verification Services (ERM-CVS), an IRMA-approved certification body, will be carrying out the on-site assessments at these sites.

Stakeholder Engagement in these Assessments

Stakeholders should contact ERM-CVS if they are interested in being interviewed as part of the assessment process. According to ERM-CVS, “When possible, interviews with local stakeholders will be scheduled to take place during the on-site audit and may be virtual or in-person, taking into consideration COVID-19 precautions.” (See audit announcements on ERM-CVS website)

Stakeholders for any of the listed sites are also invited to submit comments to ERM-CVS on the social and environmental performance of any of the mines (in particular, how the site measures against the IRMA Standard for Responsible Mining).

ERM Certification and Verification Services

Email: post@ermcvs.com

Mail: Exchequer Court, 33 St Mary Axe, London, EC3A 8A

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

For More Information

  • Direct specific inquiries about the mine site assessment process to IRMA’s Director of Standards and Assurance: lsumi@responsiblemining.net
  • Visit the IRMA website for information on the IRMA mine site assessment and certification process, including the determination of audit scope.

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Blog

IRMA Announcement: Kolomela Mine Site Assessment Stage 1

The Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) announces the commencement of a third-party independent assessment of the Kolomela iron ore mine against the IRMA Standard for Responsible Mining. The mining complex, operated by Sishen Iron Ore Company (parent company Anglo American) is located near Postmasburg, in Northern Cape province, South Africa.

ERM Certification and Verification Services (ERM-CVS), an IRMA-approved certification body, will be carrying out the assessment, which includes a desk review (stage 1) followed by an on-site audit (stage 2).

Scope of the Assessment

During the assessment the impacts and issues associated with all mining operations and the associated facilities will be reviewed, and each site will be visited. For more on assessment scope, see the Kolomela assessment page on the IRMA website. The assessment will include Kolomela operations and facilities, including an open pit mine, crusher, beneficiation (gravity separation, cyclone and drum), tailings  storage facilities, and waste rock disposal areas.

Stakeholder Engagement in the Assessment

Stakeholders affected by or interested in the Kolomela mine are invited to submit comments to ERM-CVS on the social and environmental performance of the mine’s operations (in particular, how the site measures against the IRMA Standard for Responsible Mining).

Kolomela stakeholders may also contact ERM-CVS if they are interested in being interviewed as part of the assessment process. Stakeholder comments and expressions of interest in being interviewed as part of the audit process should be submitted by email or mail to:

ERM Certification and Verification Services

Email: post@ermcvs.com

Mail: Exchequer Court, 33 St Mary Axe, London, EC3A 8A

Kolomela stakeholders and interested members of the public can visit the Kolomela page on the IRMA website for up-to-date information on the assessment (e.g., the timing of the stage 2 on-site visit, link to pubic summary of audit results).

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

For More Information

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