Anglo-American's Minas-Rio iron ore and Barro Alto nickel mines in Brazil have scored IRMA 75 after an in-depth audit process conducted by the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) - IRMA 100 is the highest possible score.
These mines mark a milestone as the first of their respective metals to attain the IRMA 75 level of performance, according to IRMA. Their inclusion brings the total number of mines worldwide independently assessing against the IRMA Standard to 19.
The scores highlight an operational turnaround for Anglo's Brazil projects following controversies that prompted unsubstantiated speculation in 2016 that it was planning an exit from the country.
The IRMA 75 designation signifies that audit firms ERM-CVS (for Barro Alto) and SCS Global (for Minas-Rio) confirmed compliance with all critical requirements of the IRMA Standard, and achieved a 75% or higher in each of IRMA four principle areas.
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Ruben Fernandes, Anglo American's regional director for the Americas, said the IRMA assessment showed a positive trajectory towards critical company-wide goals, stating, "We are continuing to make great strides towards ensuring all our operations adhere to a recognised responsible mining standard by 2025." Fernandes also highlighted the implementation of a digital traceability platform called Valutrax, which enhances transparency efforts.
Aimee Boulanger, executive director of IRMA, emphasised the significance of these audit reports for mines contributing materials crucial to the renewable energy transition and steel supply chain. However, she acknowledged that the IRMA Standard is still a relatively new process for all stakeholders, including accredited auditors, and advised that the reports for Barro Alto and Minas-Rio should be interpreted with this in mind.
Minas-Rio in focus
The Minas-Rio Iron Ore Mine produced around 24.1 million metric tons (wet basis) of iron ore in 2022, with expectations of a 4% increase in 2023 following the completion of a magnetic separation plant late in 2022. Minas-Rio scored a 93% rating on Community and Stakeholder Engagement, citing proactive engagement with surrounding communities and responsiveness to stakeholder requests.
Regarding human-rights due diligence, Anglo's project received positive feedback, with IRMA acknowledging efforts to mitigate impacts from incidents like pipeline bursts. However, IRMA recommended that Anglo provide public reports disclosing findings and recommendations from external monitoring, as well as evidence of background checks for public security personnel.
In terms of corrective actions, IRMA suggested that the operating company develop and implement an adaptive management plan for water, outlining actions to mitigate predicted impacts on water and natural resources from changes in quality.
The Goiás giant
Anglo American's largest ferronickel mine, Barro Alto, saw a 4% drop in production in 2022 to 32,700 tons, attributed to planned annual maintenance and high rainfall in December. Despite this, the mine contributes to Anglo American's diversification of nickel production beyond traditional regions like Australia and Canada.
Barro Alto was also recognised for fully meeting Community and Stakeholder Engagement criteria, with a well-structured stakeholder participation process. However, areas for improvement were identified, including the need for a more balanced level of information regarding emergency response and awareness among stakeholders.
Similarly, Barro Alto scored 84% on human-rights due diligence and received commendations for proactive steps, IRMA recommended improved communication of resolutions related to harassment complaints to internal stakeholders.
Looking ahead, IRMA noted Anglo's substantial progress in meeting objectives on greenhouse gas emissions but recommended defining an action plan for climate change within the Sustainable Mining Plan and calculating the direct contribution of the Barro Alto unit to this objective.
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