Ryerson CSR Institute Session: The Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) - An innovative approach to non-state mining certification - In Conversation with Aimee Boulanger

Government environmental, social and economic regulation of mining operations remain the centrepiece structure determining how mining operations take place around the world. However, within the community of mining-affected stakeholders -- be they indigenous and non-indigenous populations located near mines, workers, investors, consumers, supply chain partners, environmental and human rights organizations and others -- there has long been global demand for more independent third-party verification and certification of mining operations against a comprehensive standard. The Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance represents an attempt to fulfil this demand, and is driven by non-state actors who could be said to have been on a mission to fully operationalize and make real the elusive "social licence to operate " concept. We are very fortunate to have an "in conversation" session with IRMA CEO Aimee Boulanger, who is superbly positioned to explain the origins, evolution and development of IRMA, its actual rules, the process of assurance, and provide us with insights concerning the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Moderating the session will be Dr. Kernaghan Webb, Director of the Ryerson CSR Institute.

The talk is co-sponsored by the Ryerson Corporate Social Responsibility Student Association, the Ryerson Commerce and Government Association, and the Ryerson Law and Business Student Association. Support for the "In conversation" sessions from the Trade Commissioner Service of Global Affairs Canada is also gratefully acknowledged.