{"id":147685,"date":"2023-10-26T16:48:08","date_gmt":"2023-10-26T15:48:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/?p=147685"},"modified":"2023-11-07T13:37:38","modified_gmt":"2023-11-07T12:37:38","slug":"how-the-irma-standard-guides-sectors-towards-responsible-mining","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/geen-categorie\/how-the-irma-standard-guides-sectors-towards-responsible-mining\/","title":{"rendered":"How the IRMA standard guides sectors towards more responsible mining"},"content":{"rendered":"
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A crucial strategy to combat the climate crisis is an accelerated transition from fossil to renewable energy. With the project Bottom Line!<\/a> we are working with a coalition of civil society organisations towards a fair energy transition. IUCN NL is exploring and promoting a transition with the lowest possible negative impact on people and nature, both in The Netherlands and the EU and in mineral production countries like Indonesia, Ghana and The Philippines. This article sheds light on the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA)<\/a> standard. \u00a0We urge the public- and business sectors in The Netherlands, the EU and elsewhere to adhere to the IRMA standard for responsible mining, with an eye for the interests of both nature and people.<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n
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The demand for minerals for consumer goods has doubled between 2000 and 2023<\/a> – a trend that is expected to continue in the coming decades. Large quantities of minerals are needed for the production of renewable energy sources, like wind turbines, solar cells and batteries for electric cars and for e-bikes. The World Bank<\/a> estimates that the demand for raw materials such as copper ore, bauxite (aluminium), cobalt, nickel and manganese needed for the energy transition will increase by 500% by 2050.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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A standard for responsible mining<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n
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A fair energy transition comprises many stakeholders. There are actors like consumers and mining companies, and there are those who feel the impacts of mining for this transition, like nature and Indigenous Peoples & local communities (IP&LCs). For a just energy transition, it is crucial that we work towards a circular approach in which a reduction in energy consumption is a priority. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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In addition, we need to set stricter requirements for the responsible extraction of raw materials. A bottom line has to be established and monitored: a clear limit that indicates where<\/strong> and how<\/strong> mining may take place, so that the damage to people and nature is limited and remains within set boundaries. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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How can we ensure that the mining of transition minerals is done in a responsible manner using international best practices, without the risk of making the earth unliveable and without victimising nature and people whilst providing net societal benefits?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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The Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) has developed and is further developing a standard for responsible mining that industrial-scale mining companies (and others involved in the mineral \/ metal value chains) can use to assess and report on their site level practices.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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About the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n
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