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 are essential to avoid leaving workers and communities behind. The report proposes a flexible Just Transition Framework for voluntary sustainability standards, building on existing human‑rights and safety clauses while adding guidance on retraining and equitable benefit sharing. Collaboration among companies, unions, governments, investors and standards bodies is presented as the engine for fair, climate‑aligned change.
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,...
