Traditional owners join initiative for responsible mining assurance

The National Native Title Council (NNTC) is to support the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) in advancing its global vision to protect people and the environment directly affected by mining.

IRMA is the only voluntary mining standard where affected communities and Traditional Owners have the same power as mining companies.

‘Both traditional mineral extraction and new critical mineral mining need to be held to a rigorous standard. Traditional Owners’ rights should be central to any extraction projects on Country, not an afterthought or a box to be checked,’ Jamie Lowe, NNTC CEO, said.

IRMA is designed to provide the world’s most comprehensive and rigorous definition of best practice in mining. It promotes a transparent audit process where independent audit firms assess mining operations against the IRMA Standard, equal governance of Standard and an audit process by representatives of affected groups.

To achieve and maintain accreditation, companies must audit against standards that acknowledge free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) and the importance of cultural heritage. IRMA standard sets the highest bar for adherence to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) across any legislation or standard affecting Australian extraction projects.

IRMA is excited to have the NNTC include the voices of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from Australia. with Aimee Boulanger, IRMA Executive. Director, saying.

“We welcome NNTC’s membership as we work together to create a world where the mining industry respects the human rights and aspirations of affected communities, provides safe, healthy and supportive workplaces, minimises harm to the environment, and leaves positive legacies,”Aimee Boulanger, IRMA Executive Director, said.

NNTC believes the IRMA Standard is currently the only voluntary mining standard, published or being developed, that meets both Australian and international legal requirements for First Nations rights regarding cultural heritage.

‘Companies’ social license to operate (SLO) accountability, responsibilities under Australian legislation, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, must be met.

“The IRMA Standard is the only mining standard that meets these benchmarks. Supporting IRMA clearly says that Indigenous Peoples across the world, including Australian Traditional Owners, expect these standards to be met. Anything less is unacceptable,’  Mr Lowe said.