Chemical analysis in the UK is important for the mining industry, and so is keeping the industry responsible.

BMW recently joined the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA), a group which aims to improve the responsibility of the industry, whether that is to do with employment issues, human rights or ecological sustainability issues.IRMA Executive Director Aimee Boulanger told Mining Technology today: “The auto sector is a powerful purchaser of materials that come from mines.

“We are happy to have the BMW Group join IRMA and we look forward to supporting their commitment to increasing environmental and social responsibility in their supply chains,” she added.

By joining the group BMW has committed to using products mined from socially and ecologically responsible mining programmes.

The Standard for Responsible Mining requires mines that are included in its certification scheme to demonstrate they are committed to and providing: health and safety for workers, human rights, community engagement, pollution control, mining in conflict-affected areas, rights of indigenous peoples, transparency in revenue payments from companies to governments, and land reclamation once mining is done.

It aims to set high standards, though does not aim to replace existing laws surrounding mining in the countries in which they operate. It also aims to improve transparency.

The industry faces challenges around the growing concern over climate change and demand for more transparency over practices that may impact the environment. This will become increasingly important in coming years and it is important the industry prepares for it.