**London**: ResponsibleSteel and IRMA announce a collaboration to study the social effects of the steel and mining sectors’ transition to net-zero emissions. Funded by ISEAL, the project aims to guide good practices while addressing challenges faced by workers and communities during this shift.
ResponsibleSteel and the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) have announced a collaborative effort to examine the social impacts associated with the transition to net-zero emissions in the steel and mining sectors. This project, funded by ISEAL, aims to understand better how voluntary sustainability standards can guide good practice within these industries.
In a recent Q&A session, Haruko Horii, Standards Manager at ResponsibleSteel, articulated the vision for the project, stating that it seeks to assess the social impacts of the net-zero transition and the role that relevant standards might play. “We need to determine what a just transition looks like for the mining and steel sectors. What exactly is a just transition? Whose transition are we discussing? Workers, local communities, or supply chains?” she noted, indicating the complexity of defining ‘just transition’ in these sectors.
Horii highlighted potential negative consequences of decarbonisation, such as job losses and community displacement, which can undermine the economic viability of local populations. Initial research she referenced has revealed that communities are facing significant social upheaval related to the shift from carbon-intensive practices to lower-carbon technologies. An example includes the job losses that have resulted from the transition from traditional blast furnace operations to electric arc furnaces, which have had wider ramifications for community stability and identity.
Davidzo Muchawaya, Africa Regional Lead at IRMA, discussed the similarities between ResponsibleSteel and IRMA and the importance of their collaboration. He explained that both organisations are founded on multi-stakeholder governance systems that promote transparency and inclusivity. “This project is just one of many examples of how different voluntary sustainability standards can complement and leverage each other’s work,” Muchawaya stated.
The collaboration is directed at ensuring that the steel and mining sectors address the challenges faced by workers and communities amid a rapidly changing economic landscape, as many existing sites gear up for adaptation or risk closure. The global reach of both organisations positions them uniquely to provide relevant frameworks to handle the variances of decarbonisation impacts across regions.
Furthermore, Horii elaborated on how ResponsibleSteel is incorporating just transition principles into its standards. While the current ResponsibleSteel International Production Standard does not explicitly mention a just transition, it involves stakeholder consultation aimed at mitigating adverse effects under Principle 4, which pertains to site decommissioning and closure. She suggested that future developments may expand on this framework, providing more thorough guidelines to facilitate an equitable transition.
In contrast, Muchawaya highlighted how the IRMA Standard for Responsible Mining includes multiple criteria that specify best practices for ensuring a just transition. One notable requirement involves engaging affected communities and stakeholders in the mine rehabilitation and closure planning process, addressing the often overlooked socio-environmental liabilities stemming from mining operations.
The project is primarily targeted towards workers and labour unions, as these groups are expected to be the most impacted by the ongoing transition. However, stakeholders also include mining companies, steelmakers, national and local governments, and non-governmental organisations focused on representing the interests of communities.
Horii noted that while challenges related to a just transition can differ substantially from one locale to another, the project is designed to have a global perspective, aiming to gather insights from various stakeholders worldwide. Additional information regarding the geographic focus and stakeholder engagement is anticipated following the project’s initiation.
For further details about ResponsibleSteel and IRMA, interested parties can explore their respective websites. Information about the project’s background can also be found on the ISEAL platform.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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