IRMA (Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance)
Mines are audited independently, with published reports, on workers, safety and the rights of nearby communities.
How it counts towards a grade
- Supportive: it counts in its favour but isn't proof on its own
What it is
IRMA is a mining standard run equally by mining companies, buyers, unions, communities and campaign groups. Independent auditors check a whole mine site against its rules on forced and child labour, pay, safety, unions and community rights, and the reports are published. Car and battery makers join as buyers that commit to sourcing metal from audited mines.
What it checks
- Independent audits of the mine itself, with published reports
- Rules on forced and child labour, pay, safety and unions
- Run equally by industry, unions, communities and campaign groups
What it doesn't
- Few mines have finished an audit so far
- A buyer's membership is a commitment, not proof its metal came from audited mines
Brands with IRMA (Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance): 3 brands
VolkswagenForced labour link, last recorded in 2025 · Cars, bikes & e-mobilityCars, SUVs, utes and electric carsPublishes some details, but doesn't show its workers are paid and treated fairly.Lacks transparencyPartly verifiedFordForced labour link, last recorded in 2025 · Cars, bikes & e-mobilityUtes, SUVs, vans and sports carsPublishes some details, but doesn't show its workers are paid and treated fairly.Lacks transparencyPartly verifiedTeslaForced labour link, last recorded in 2025 · Cars, bikes & e-mobilityElectric carsPublishes some details, but doesn't show its workers are paid and treated fairly.Lacks transparencyPartly verified