Namibia says just 42% of approved mining projects are operating
Namibia is the world’s third-largest uranium producer and is home to deposits of lithium as well as rare earth minerals.
The Greenbushes lithium operation in Australia is expected to be the first mine in the country to undergo third-party independent assessment against the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) standard for responsible mining.
Mine operator Talison Lithium said on Wednesday that the decision to volunteer Greenbushes for IRMA audit reflects its commitment to responsible mining practices and transparency. The IRMA represents the most rigorous global mining standard and is widely referenced by governments and environmental groups.
Talison is 51% owned by a privately held joint venture between China’s Tianqi Lithium and Australia’s IGO, with the remaining 49% held by US-based Albemarle, the world’s largest lithium producer by volume.
Located 250 km south of Perth, Greenbushes has been a leader in the Australian lithium sector for over 40 years. After undergoing a series of expansions, the mine now has a production capacity of nearly 1.5 million tonnes of lithium concentrates per annum, maintaining its position as the world’s largest hard-rock lithium mine.
As the longest continuously operated mining area in Western Australia, it currently employs more than 1,500 people, and is committed to engaging closely with its workforce, shareholders and the local community to mitigate impacts and maximize opportunity as it continues to expand, the company said.
“We care about a better future—and we know our stakeholders do as well. Whether it be employees, the community, or customers, we want them to know we are committed to responsible mining and production practices” interim managing director Ian McGuire said in a news release.
“To achieve this, we need to provide those affected by our mine with the information they need to engage in meaningful dialogue about where Talison is achieving best practice, and where there is more work to be done. That’s why we’re conducting an IRMA audit,” he added.
The IRMA assessment will be conducted by SCS Global Services, an IRMA-approved independent audit firm, and will include a comprehensive two-stage process: a desktop review (Stage 1), followed by an onsite audit (Stage 2).
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