Arcadium Lithium’s Fenix Mine is the first in Argentina to publish an IRMA report assessing its compliance with responsible mining standards. The audit reveals the mine’s commitment to transparency and community engagement. Currently, the overall achievement level is pending as further evaluations are required, but preliminary findings indicate compliance with IRMA 50 standards. These efforts reflect a broader global trend towards responsible mining through independent assessments.
Arcadium Lithium’s Fenix Mine in Argentina has become the first site in the nation to publish an Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) report. This comprehensive audit evaluates the mine’s compliance with the IRMA Standard for Responsible Mining, which is recognized as the industry’s most rigorous standard covering best practices.
Currently, the overall achievement level of the Fenix Mine is pending, awaiting final evaluation of free, prior, and informed consent as outlined in Chapter 2.2 of the standard. During the audit, SCS Global Services auditors identified the need for additional testimonies and detailed interviews to comprehensively assess the mine’s adherence to this chapter.
These critical aspects will be examined during the next IRMA surveillance audit, scheduled within 12 to 18 months following the initial report release. Despite the outstanding evaluation of Chapter 2.2, the audit findings suggest that the Fenix Mine meets the criteria for at least an IRMA 50 level.
The independent third-party audit for the Fenix Mine began on February 15, 2022, culminating in the release of the audit report. Paul Graves, President and CEO of Arcadium Lithium, stated, “We began the IRMA process with clear objectives: to help drive transparency in our industry, foster better engagement with community and Indigenous stakeholders, and gain insights to improve every aspect of our operations.”
Globally, 22 mines, including Fenix, are participating in the IRMA independent assessment system. Other notable operations, such as Anglo American’s Minas-Rio and Barro Alto mines, achieved IRMA 75 as of February 2024. Additionally, US-based Albemarle became the first lithium producer to publish an IRMA report, achieving IRMA 50 for its Salar de Atacama operation.
IRMA Executive Director Aimee Boulanger remarked, “Through detailed IRMA audit reports, mining companies, communities and companies that purchase mined materials can gain the information they need to decide what is going well – and where improvements can be made – at specific mines.” The IRMA Standard is gaining global recognition, facilitating vital conversations between mining operations and impacted communities.
The Fenix Mine’s release of the IRMA report marks a significant achievement in promoting responsible mining practices in Argentina. The ongoing commitment to transparency, improved stakeholder engagement, and the rigorous audit processes underscore the importance of responsible mining in the industry. The results call for continued enhancement of practices and dialogues between mining companies and communities.
Original Source: www.mining-technology.com
