Trade unions, together with civil society organisations, have called on the European Commission to recognise the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) as a credible, multi-stakeholder standard that should guide responsible mining practices both within and beyond the EU. This is essential to ensure that Europe’s industrial transition is built on a foundation of responsible, transparent, and ethical sourcing.
Trade unions together with civil society organisations have called on the European Commission to place responsible mining at the centre of the EU’s industrial strategy.
In two letters addressed to Commissioner Stéphane Séjourné and Director-General Kerstin Jorna, the signatories urge the Commission to recognise that the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) is a credible, multi-stakeholder standard that should guide responsible mining practices both within and beyond the EU. Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) is a multi-stakeholder standard and certification system that independently assesses industrial-scale mining operations to promote socially and environmentally responsible practices across labour, community, and ecological dimensions IRMA.
The joint appeal, signed by IndustriAll Europe, IndustriALL Global Union, Transport & Environment, Earthworks, and Public Citizen, stresses that Europe’s race to secure critical raw materials for its green and digital transitions needs binding regulation and can also be guided by strong social, environmental, and responsible standards, and that the race to secure critical raw materials must not come at the expense of people, workers, communities, or the environment.
The letters highlight the urgent need for transparency, robust ESG criteria, and credible third-party verification in all EU-backed mining projects. The legitimacy and long-term success of Europe’s raw materials strategy depend on public confidence in the integrity of its sourcing practices.
IRMA is a good example and tool in that sense as it provides a practical model for responsible mining across both domestic and international supply chains. This is why, the Commission should recognise IRMA as a credible standard, sending a clear signal that Europe’s raw materials policy is aligned with its social and environmental commitments, reinforcing the EU’s credibility as a global leader in sustainable industry.
The letters come amidst political uncertainty surrounding other sustainability initiatives, including the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). With pressure mounting to dilute key elements of the EU’s sustainability framework, the signatories insist that the Commission must stand firm in its commitment to responsible business conduct and environmental protection.
Strong enforceable standards are not an obstacle to competitiveness, but a foundation for it—helping to prevent social conflict, secure long-term supply, and build trust among workers, communities, and investors alike.
“It is important that the European Union maintains a strong commitment to rules and tools that uphold human rights, environmental protection, and responsible business conduct. A resilient European industry cannot be built on weak foundations, truly responsible mining must be a cornerstone of the EU’s industrial strategy, ensuring that the transition to a green and digital economy leaves no one behind.” said Judith Kirton-Darling, industriAll Europe’s general secretary.
Letter to Stéphane Séjourné here
Letter to Kerstin Jorna here