The Responsible Mica Initiative (RMI) announces the launch a public consultation for the “Global Workplace Responsible Sourcing, Environmental, Health & Safety Due Diligence Standard for Small to Medium Semi-Mechanised Mica Mines.”
Addressing a Critical Industry Gap
Over recent years, RMI has successfully developed targeted standards for different processing and mining operations. Our 2021 Mica Processors Standard, created in collaboration with the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA), addressed downstream processing, while our recent MICA CRAFT Code with the Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM) focused on artisanal and small-scale mining operations.
However, through stakeholder engagement and field research, we identified a critical mismatch: small to medium semi-mechanised mica mining operations fall between existing standards, with the artisanal MICA CRAFT framework being insufficient and large-scale industrial mining standards being disproportionate for their size and operations.
A Purpose-Built Solution for Small to Mid-Scale Mica Mining Operations
This new standard, including its auditing framework and guidance (to be developed) address the unique operational characteristics and challenges of small to medium semi-mechanised mica mines. This new framework aims to provide:
- Proportionate ESG Frameworks: Environmental, social, and governance criteria tailored to the operational scale and capacity of semi-mechanised operations, ensuring requirements are both comprehensive and achievable.
- Adapted Due Diligence Procedures: OECD due diligence requirements specifically modified for upstream operations, including provisions for mines that source materials from external suppliers.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Workplace safety protocols, environmental management requirements, social impact procedures, and supply chain transparency measures.
- Practical Implementation: Auditable requirements and guidelines that reflect the operational realities and constraints of small to mid-scale mining operations while driving meaningful improvements.
Timeline
- May-July 2025: Gap assessment and development of draft standard
- August-October 2025: Public consultation over a period of 2 months
- September-November 2025: Development of audit checklist, audit scoing and auditor guidance
- November- December 2025 : Piloting of the standard and auditing requirements
- January- March 2026: Launching the standard
We Need Your Input
Seeking feedback from:
- Mining professionals and operators
- Supply chain experts
- ESG practitioners
- Industry associations
- Civil society organizations
- Standard setting organisations
Resources:
- Use our structured Excel, here, template for detailed input.
- You can find the Global Workplace Standards here.
Submit feedback to: magali.barraja@rmi.nicolastroadec.fr
