Responsible Mining Cost/Benefit Study: “Economically Rational and Strategically Important”
The Rocky Mountain Institute released the first quantitative assessment of responsible mining using the IRMA framework, finding that responsible practices add just 0.4% to a mine’s total capital expenditures over its life. Interviews with four IRMA‑certified miners, material purchasers, and investors revealed that these modest costs are outweighed by the financial exposure from operational disruptions, such as stoppages or catastrophic events. The study also highlights intangible gains, including stronger internal collaboration, improved grievance mechanisms, and a more resilient social licence to operate. Findings are feeding into the UN Secretary‑General’s panel on critical energy‑transition minerals.
IRMA at the 2026 International Bar Association ESG Conference
IRMA spoke at the International Bar Association’s ESG conference in Paris, joining a panel on Responsibility in Mining hosted by the SEERIL section. The discussion focused on how responsible mining underpins legal predictability, social licence to operate, and long‑term asset...
Albemarle’s Planta Salar De Atacama Lithium Mine Completes IRMA Surveillance Audit
Albemarle’s Planta Salar de Atacama lithium mine in Chile completed its Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) surveillance audit on 17 April 2026. The audit, performed by IRMA‑approved firm ERM CVS, evaluated the mine’s adherence to the corrective action plan set after the...
Going Beyond Decarbonization: Key Insights Into Delivering a Just Transition for Steel and Mining Sectors
In March, IRMA and ResponsibleSteel released a landmark report on just transitions for the mining and steel sectors, highlighting the need to place people at the heart of decarbonisation efforts. Stakeholder interviews underscored that inclusive planning and continuous social dialogue...
Why IRMA Prioritizes Government Engagement and Robust Legal Frameworks
IRMA stresses that governments must set and enforce mining laws, embedding this principle in its Responsible Mining Standard. The Standard requires operators to meet all host‑country legal requirements and then exceed them with best‑practice measures. IRMA reinforces its legal focus...
Anglo American’s Sishen Iron Mine Completes IRMA Surveillance Audit
On 12 March 2026 Anglo American’s Sishen iron‑ore mine in South Africa completed its Initiative for Responsible Mining (IRMA) surveillance audit. The audit, performed by IRMA‑approved firm ERM CVS, evaluated progress on the corrective‑action plan set after the initial audit. It confirmed that the...
New Report Outlines Key Considerations for a Just Transition for Mining and Steel
ResponsibleSteel and the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) released a landmark report on how voluntary sustainability standards (VSS) can drive a just transition in the mining and steel sectors. The study outlines nine guiding principles and five concrete recommendations...
IRMA at UNEA-7
In November 2025 IRMA secured observer status at the United Nations Environment Assembly, granting it full access to UNEA’s deliberations. The initiative attended UNEA‑7 in Nairobi from 8‑12 December 2025, marking its first in‑person participation and involvement in plenary sessions,...
UNEP and IRMA Announce Collaboration to Advance Responsible Mining Practices
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to deepen cooperation on responsible mining. The partnership targets improved transparency, environmental performance and traceability across the extractive sector, leveraging...
Senegal’s Landmark IRMA-Assessed Mine: A New Era for Responsible Mining in Africa
Eramet’s Grande Côte mine in Senegal has become the first West African operation to earn Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) certification, marking a historic milestone for the region. The mobile mineral‑sand facility met IRMA’s rigorous standards covering environmental stewardship,...