{"id":74602,"date":"2024-03-27T07:42:28","date_gmt":"2024-03-27T07:42:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pr.asianetpakistan.com\/?p=120994"},"modified":"2024-03-27T07:42:28","modified_gmt":"2024-03-27T07:42:28","slug":"two-anglo-american-mines-are-first-african-iron-ore-operations-audited-against-the-irma-standard-for-responsible-mining","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dailysouthafrica.com\/two-anglo-american-mines-are-first-african-iron-ore-operations-audited-against-the-irma-standard-for-responsible-mining\/","title":{"rendered":"Two Anglo American mines are first African iron ore operations audited against the IRMA Standard for Responsible Mining"},"content":{"rendered":"
SEATTLE, March 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today the Initiative for Responsible Mining (IRMA) released the audits of Kumba Iron Ore\u2019s 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\u2019s best practice social and environmental criteria. Kumba Iron Ore is an Anglo American subsidiary.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s 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<\/a> and Sishen<\/a> audit pages on the IRMA website<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cThe information stakeholders need to decide what\u2019s going well \u2014 and what may require more attention.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cThis report demonstrates that mines can point to transparent, independent evaluations of their environmental and social performance,\u201d said Aimee Boulanger, Executive Director of IRMA. <\/em><\/strong>\u201cThrough detailed IRMA audit reports, mining companies, communities and companies that purchase mined materials can gain the information they need to decide what\u2019s going well \u2014 and what may require more attention \u2014 at specific mines.\u201d<\/p>\n 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 results should be reviewed and interpreted accordingly.<\/p>\n \u201cThese mines began audits during the early COVID years. Their timelines were delayed by travel challenges, and then the company\u2019s 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.\u201d Ms. Boulanger went on to say<\/em><\/strong>, \u201cThat 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 Kolomela and Sishen audits need to be read with this in mind.\u201d<\/p>\n The reports also provide an honest accounting of IRMA\u2019s progress as the Standard and assessment process continue to mature.<\/p>\n \u201cIf the results don’t fully reflect the experience of communities, Indigenous rights holders or other affected groups, we want to hear from them,\u201d Ms. Boulanger said. \u201cWe\u2019ll 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 \u2014 and a measure of its success.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cCommitting to an IRMA audit reflects our desire to improve and our openness to dialogue.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n Mpumi Zikalala, Chief Executive for Kumba Iron Ore said, \u201cOur 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.\u201d<\/p>\n