Arcadium Lithium’s Fenix Mine in Argentina has become the first operation in the country to release an Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) report.
This audit report measures the mine’s performance against the IRMA Standard for Responsible Mining, considered the most comprehensive standard for best practices in the sector.
The Fenix Mine’s overall achievement level is currently pending and is awaiting the final assessment of free, prior and informed consent, Chapter 2.2.
During the assessment period, auditors from SCS Global Services determined that additional testimonies and in-depth interviews were necessary to fully assess the mine’s performance against this chapter.
These aspects will be evaluated in the upcoming IRMA surveillance audit within 12–18 months after the initial report’s publication.
Apart from the pending final assessment of Chapter 2.2, the Fenix Mine’s audit results meet the requirements for at least an IRMA 50 level.
The Fenix Mine audit spanned three years, beginning on 15 February 2022, with the announcement of the independent third-party audit.
Arcadium Lithium president and CEO Paul Graves said: “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. The publication of the Fenix audit report is an important milestone in our ongoing commitment to these goals.”
Globally, 22 industrial-scale mines, including Fenix, are part of the IRMA independent assessment system.
Anglo American’s Minas-Rio and Barro Alto mines in Brazil achieved IRMA 75 in February 2024.
US-based speciality chemicals company Albemarle became the first lithium producer to publish an IRMA report in June 2023, achieving IRMA 50 for its Salar de Atacama operation in Chile.
Additionally, Brazilian steelmaker Gerdau has committed to IRMA assessments for its iron ore mines in Minas Gerais.
Chilean mining company SQM’s Salar de Atacama lithium operation in Chile achieved IRMA 75 in September 2023.
IRMA executive director Aimee Boulanger said: “Through detailed IRMA audit reports, mining companies, communities and companies that purchase mined materials can gain the information they need to decide what’s going well – and where improvements can be made – at specific mines.
“Independent evaluation against a rigorous standard that is equally governed by the people most affected by mining can reduce negative impacts, improve benefits sharing and reduce conflict.”
The IRMA Standard is increasingly recognised and adopted globally, with audits facilitating dialogue between mining companies and affected communities. Results from these audits contribute to the continuous improvement of the IRMA process.
