RMI and the Copper Mark launch consultation on revised criteria

The consultation is available to all interested stakeholders and will be open from 2 May to 1 July 2022.

The RRA is a set of criteria for responsible production, created by the RMI, and used by mining, smelting, refining, and manufacturing sites across a broad range of metals. It is also the foundation of the Copper Mark Criteria for Responsible Production, against which sites are independently assessed during the Copper Mark Assurance Process. The Criteria Guide offers explanations to help companies implement and assess performance with the 32 industry norms of the RRA across environmental, social, and governance issue areas.

With the revision, the RMI and the Copper Mark will work to further ensure the recognition and acceptance of the RRA as a credible set of criteria for responsible mineral production practices by key stakeholder groups, respond to findings of benchmarking exercises as well as to clarify requirements for the implementation of the RRA.

Jennifer Peyser, Vice President of Responsible Sourcing at the RMI, said:

“The RRA has been pivotal to enable risk monitoring in mineral supply chains. Jointly with the Copper Mark, we see this revision as a critical milestone in our efforts to align the RRA criteria with fast-evolving human rights and environmental due diligence expectations and provide our members and their suppliers with a future-fit risk assessment tool.”

Michèle Brülhart, Executive Director of the Copper Mark, said:

“The RRA forms the basis of the Copper Mark’s assurance framework. This revision is key to ensure the commitment our participants make to responsible production practices continues to meet the expectation of consumers, customers, and investors. Working jointly with the RMI, we look forward to further strengthen this important tool and support companies along the mineral supply chain in their responsible production and sourcing efforts.”

The consultation will consist of a series of virtual and in-person workshops conducted jointly by the RMI and Copper Mark, where major changes will be outlined and feedback will be collected. In addition, an online feedback form is available for stakeholders that cannot attend the workshops.

Following the public consultation, all feedback will be logged and addressed by the RMI and Copper Mark prior to a second, shorter public consultation.

It is expected that the revised RRA criteria and Criteria Guide will be published in 2023.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/mining/03052022/rmi-and-the-copper-mark-launch-consultation-on-revised-criteria/