Since the SIM congress in Dijon (see CR Mine-Responsable-Ecologo-ACP-Energies), the ACP Energies Mines Group has continued to learn about the IRMA (Initiative Responsible Mining Assurance) standard, with its advantages but also its limitations for smaller mines that do not have the means (investment in time and budget) to subscribe to it.
Our meetings in 2025 identified the need to work upstream of the mining cycle (before and during the feasibility study) with the involvement of local experts.
For several years now, Quebec universities, in partnership with the Quebec Mining Exploration Association (AEMQ), have been disclosing an Ecologo-Exploration Mines standard for small and medium-sized mines, covering the entire mining chain as specified in the Feasibility Study. Several African countries have Geology universities/Earth Sciences institutes with teaching and research resources that could provide valuable input from local experts.
Ecologo certification for mining exploration demonstrates to investors and stakeholders a commitment to environmental quality, community well-being, and ethical business practices (see https://aemq.org/certification/entreprises-certifiees/). Twenty-seven criteria (Environment, Life, Safety, Local Content, Ethics, etc.) are linked to KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) for responsible practices, including reducing the environmental footprint and impact on affected communities.