The Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) has released a second draft of the “first-ever” global standards for mine sites, aiming to emulate programs introduced by other sectors such as agriculture and fisheries.
IRMA is seeking feedback on the draft from stakeholders and the public by June 5, after which the steering committee – which includes representatives from Tiffany & Co., Microsoft and Anglo American – will further revise the document and release a final version of the standard in late 2016.
IRMA field-tested the “Standard for Responsible Mining” in the U.S. and Zimbabwe and received input from more than 70 organizations and individuals worldwide, including industry and technical experts, the organization said.
An increase in awareness of and demand for ecological and socially-responsible products has resulted in companies such as jewelers and electronics businesses seeking assurances they are buying minerals that have been sourced responsibly, IRMA explained.
