IRMA Chain of Custody Standard
Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA)
Overview
The Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) is a multi-stakeholder organisation established to meet global demand for more socially and environmentally responsible mining. The IRMA Chain of Custody Standard for Responsibly Mined Materials provides baseline requirements for tracing material from mines audited against the IRMA Standard for Responsible Mining through downstream processing and supply chains to final products and the end consumer. It is intended for entities that process, buy, sell, or use IRMA-audited materials along the supply chain. To make official IRMA claims, entities must have their conformity with the IRMA Chain of Custody Standard independently assessed by an IRMA-accredited certification body in accordance with the IRMA Chain of Custody Assurance Manual.
The IRMA Chain of Custody Standard is supplemented by the IRMA Chain of Custody Claims Procedure and Communications Policy, which specifies requirements and guidance for making claims about IRMA-audited materials and products. The Standard also includes provisions relating to recycled materials and recognises different chain of custody models, allowing the requirements to be applied to a range of mineral supply chain circumstances.
The Standard has been developed to work in concert with existing and emerging traceability services and technologies, such as blockchain, mineral identification scanning and testing. It is also designed to be compatible with other standards programmes for responsible sourcing of mined materials downstream of the mine, such as ResponsibleSteel and the Responsible Jewellery Council Code of Practices.
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