Companies such as those in jewelry, electronics, building and autos want assurance that the minerals they buy are mined responsibly.

IRMA seeks to drive positive change in industrial-scale mining using credible certification: a tool that has been proven to deliver better social and environmental outcomes in industries such as agriculture, forestry and fishing.

Our verification and certification services are done at the mine site level. IRMA does not certify mining companies.  However, a mining company can choose to commit to putting a percentage of their mines into the program, or achieve certification of all their mines, and make claims about that commitment and achievement.

Self-Assessment

The first step for mines is to conduct a self-assessment (view our webinar by going to the Resources page > Webinars)

Self-assessment allows you to see how your practices compare with the standard.

Completing a self-assessment and sharing your commitment or score on the Responsible Mining Map are a powerful way to signal that you deliver on your promises.

Why self-assess?

  • Improve your mine site
  • Reassure buyers and clients
  • Engage better with communities
  • Prepare for auditor-verified review of your performance

Later this year you will be able to obtain auditor-verified scoring and let clients know you are taking this important step to independently verify your performance.

Independent Certification

Starting in late 2018, mines will be able to obtain auditor-verified scoring to test their performance against version 1.0 of the IRMA Standard for Responsible Mining.

In late 2019, we will begin to offer third-party, independent certification of mine sites against a version of the standard that will be revised based on Launch Phase learning.

Certification will be flexible and meet mines where they are starting from.  Mine sites that meet core requirements can achieve “candidate” status and use associated claims.  Continuous improvement will be emphasized.  We will verify performance along the mine’s journey towards full certification.

“Certified” status – and “certified responsible mine” claims will be offered to those mines that meet relevant best practice requirements verified through an independent audit by an IRMA-trained third party.

Mines are encouraged to start with a self-assessment and to share their intentions and scores on the Responsible Mining Map.

Purchasing Certified Materials

Buying materials from verified and certified mines will give value to corporations who seek to make a profit, while also offering an ethical value chain to their customers.

We have just begun to offer mine site self-assessment and later in 2018 will offer independent auditor-verified scoring for mines. Certification will begin in late 2019. Until certification begins, responsible purchasers can demonstrate their commitment and make contact with mines working towards certification by getting on the Responsible Mining Map.

We also encourage companies to join IRMA, and encourage their suppliers to engage with IRMA. Membership offers many benefits including participation in our multi-stakeholder governance.

“Microsoft believes that fairly-applied global mining standards such as those outlined in the Standard for Responsible Mining are essential to helping solve labor, human rights, and environmental issues at the far reaches of industry’s supply chains. Making progress on these important and challenging issues will require the efforts and engagements of many, which is why we play an active role in collaborative initiatives like the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance.”
JOAN KRAJEWSKI
General Manager, Compliance and Safety, Microsoft