WHAT EXACTLY IS THE DEFINITION OF MORE RESPONSIBLE MINING?
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There are basic changes that the mining industry needs to make right away, in a manner that is independently verifiable. At the very least, mining operations should follow these standards:
- Respect for Basic Human Rights outlined in international conventions and law
- Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) of affected communities.
- Safe working conditions
- Respect for workers’ rights and labour standards (including the eight core ILO conventions)
- Ensure that operations are not located in areas of armed or militarized conflict
- Ensure that projects do not force communities off their lands.
- No dumping of mine wastes into the ocean, rivers, lakes, or streams
- Ensure that projects are not located in protected areas, fragile ecosystems or other areas of high conservation or ecological value
- Ensure that projects do not generate sulfuric acid (Acid Mine Drainage-AMD) in perpetuity
- Cover all costs of closing down and cleaning up mine sites
- Fully disclose information about social and environmental effects of projects
- Allow independent verification of the above
RESPONSIBLE MINING DEFINITION (2)
Responsible mining is a comprehensive and transparent minerals activity respecting the rights of all stakeholders, especially of local people; environmentally friendly and free of human health impacts; embracing the best international practices and upholding rule of law whilst generating a sustainable stream of benefits for the country.
Principles Of Responsible Mining
- Ensure multi-stakeholder engagement
- Transparency and openness
- Uphold law and its enforcement
- Responsibility for the safety of people and the environment
- Investment in future development
- Ensure fruitful productivity and efficiency
- Humane and ethical
- Based on advanced and modern technology
The Initiative For Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA)
IRMA is a multi-sector effort, launched in Vancouver, Canada, in June 2006, to develop and establish a voluntary system to independently verify compliance with environmental, human rights and social standards for mining operations. IRMA seeks to build on the existing foundation of research, tools, and initiatives ranging from the Framework for Responsible Mining, to the ICMM Sustainable Development Framework, to the findings of the Mining Minerals and Sustainable Development project, to the Mining Certification Evaluation Project.
IRMA seeks to create an independent, third party system to ensure that mines operate responsibly, and it is doing so with input and support from all key sectors. The system is based upon:
• Independent verification;
• Fair and equitable distribution of benefits to communities;
• Effective response to environmental, health, safety, and cultural impacts;
• Enhancement of shareholder value.
IRMA Members Include:
Mining Companies
AngloGold-Ashanti, BHP-Billiton, DeBeers Group, Falconbridge, Newmont, Rio Tinto, Xstrata
Non-Governmental Organizations
Canadian Boreal Initiative, Center for Science in Public Participation, Conservation International, EARTHWORKS, Great Basin Minewatch, Oxfam America, Pembina Institute, Renewable Resources Coalition, World Wildlife Fund
Retailers
Tiffany & Co., Wal-Mart/Sam’s Club
Associations
Council for Responsible Jewellery Practices, International Copper Association, International Council of Mining and Metals, Jewelers of America, the Nickel Institute
Blantyre
