#London #United Kingdom #CMSI #Copper Mark #Consolidated Standard

Introduction

The Consolidated Mining Standard Initiative (CMSI) is preparing for its final public consultation, aimed at unifying existing mining standards into a comprehensive framework. This consultation will commence on October 8, 2025, and will last until November 17, 2025, inviting input from various stakeholders in the mining industry.

Purpose of the Consultation

The consultative process is designed to engage stakeholders directly involved in mining activities and those affected by its impact. This final phase is crucial as it collates feedback and insights before the policy documents are finalized. The standard seeks to streamline the complexities of multiple mining standards and enhance their global application.

Background of the Initiative

CMSI is a collaborative effort involving The Copper Mark, ICMM, the Mining Association of Canada (MAC), and the World Gold Council (WGC). Their aim is to consolidate four existing mining standards into a single, cohesive framework that is practical and applicable to a wide variety of mining companies.

This initiative is significant as it not only reduces the complexity of navigating multiple standards but also increases the likelihood of adoption among companies aiming to meet credible global benchmarks.

Engagement Activities

During this public consultation, several engagement activities will be organized. These include virtual public webinars available across different time zones, direct briefings with various stakeholders such as civil society organizations and government representatives, and dedicated sessions with Indigenous Peoples and their organizations.

These initiatives ensure that all voices are heard and that feedback is comprehensively gathered from around the globe, promoting an inclusive dialogue around the new standard.

Importance of Stakeholder Input

The CMSI encourages stakeholders and rights-holders to actively participate and provide their insights informed by their experiences. Feedback will be crucial in shaping the final standard, as it targets to yield favorable outcomes for people and the environment throughout the mining value chain, from extraction to refining.

Transparency and Guidelines

The public consultation process will be guided by ISEAL's Code of Good Practice, aiming for transparency and inclusivity in gathering diverse perspectives. An independently hosted feedback portal on the CMSI website will facilitate the input process for stakeholders. This initiative welcomes feedback in multiple languages, including English, French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Japanese, and Brazilian Portuguese.

Previous Consultation Feedback

The upcoming consultation builds upon the insights gained from the initial public consultation, conducted from October 16 to December 16, 2024. This first phase received substantial feedback from 192 stakeholders across 25 countries, resulting in nearly 4,700 individual comments that have been carefully reviewed and documented.

Future Steps

Post-consultation, the results will inform the finalization of the Governance Model, which is crucial for the effective management and evolution of the Copper Mark Board. This board aims to include multi-stakeholder input in the completion of the new Standard and Responsibilities framework, which is expected to launch in the first half of 2026.

For those interested in the developments of this initiative, regular updates can be found on the CMSI website, where individuals can also subscribe to newsletters.

Conclusion

As the mining industry navigates challenges related to environmental and social governance, the CMSI's efforts to consolidate standards reflect a step towards responsible mining practices. The public consultation will serve as a pivotal opportunity for stakeholders to lend their voices and act collaboratively towards meaningful improvements within the sector. By participating, involved stakeholders have the chance to influence a sustainable future in mining.

For more details and to access the consultation portal, please visit: CMSI Portal.

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