Mining Certification
About the certification
Friend of the Earth Mining Certification assesses the mining sites, minerals and activities included in an agreed audit scope. The assessment examines evidence relating to legal authorisations, environmental and social impacts, waste management, energy management and working conditions.
Certification applies only to the sites, extracted minerals and activities included in the approved scope. It does not automatically cover every mine operated by the organisation, every mineral it sells, or downstream processing, packaging and retail products that have not been assessed.
What can be certified
Mining sites, extracted mineral types and related mining activities can be assessed when they are identified in the application and included in the agreed audit scope. If a processed, packaged or retail product is proposed, Friend of the Earth will confirm the additional scope and traceability evidence required before it can be included or carry the label.
What the standard covers
Hold the national legal authorisations and permits required for the mining activities and provide the relevant documents for assessment.
Complete a third-party Environmental and Social Impact Assessment before extraction begins. The assessment must be proportionate to the project and its risks and address the project description, significant environmental and social impacts, extreme events, alternative designs and measures to avoid, reduce or mitigate identified impacts.
Address the issues identified through the impact assessment and maintain procedures for managing environmental and social risks throughout the life of the mine. Assign trained personnel to the work and complete periodic reassessment in accordance with the standard.
Recycle waste where a suitable local option is available. Where recycling is not available, use appropriate disposal arrangements and retain evidence of the procedures applied.
The standard recommends keeping annual records of energy consumption by use and source and setting yearly energy-efficiency objectives. These provisions are recommendations and are assessed as such.
Apply requirements covering child labour, minimum wages, access to healthcare and workers’ compensation, emergency and first-aid arrangements, workplace hazards, safety training, personal protective equipment and drinking water. Forced labour, discrimination, abuse, bullying and harassment are prohibited.
Assessment and certification
An independent certification body assesses the agreed sites, minerals, activities and supporting evidence. Essential requirements must be met for certification. Where findings are raised, the applicant must complete the corrective actions or submit the corrective-action plan required by the standard before the certification decision is made.
How certification works
Step 1 — Submit the application: Provide information about the organisation, mine sites, extracted minerals, activities and proposed product scope.
Step 2 — Confirm scope and costs: Agree the sites, minerals and activities to be assessed, the required evidence, the quotation and the audit arrangements.
Step 3 — Complete the audit: Provide the required records and access to the mine sites and activities included in the agreed scope.
Step 4 — Address findings: Respond to findings and complete the corrective actions or action plan required by the standard.
Step 5 — Receive the decision: The certification body reviews the audit evidence and determines whether the agreed scope can be approved.
Step 6 — Maintain certification: Keep records current, complete the applicable surveillance assessments and report changes affecting the approved scope.
Certification costs
Audit costs and the applicable annual fee or royalty for use of the Friend of the Earth logo are separate. Request a quotation for the proposed sites, minerals, activities and product scope, and confirm the applicable fees before proceeding.
Verify certification
Check the organisation, mine site, mineral or product listed in the certification directory together with its approved scope and current status. Contact Friend of the Earth if the certification status or product scope is unclear.
Frequently asked questions
No. Certification applies only to the mine sites, minerals and activities included in the approved scope.
Yes. The standard requires a third-party Environmental and Social Impact Assessment before extraction. It must be appropriate to the nature, scale and identified risks of the proposed mining project.
The standard includes an important requirement for a new Environmental and Social Impact Assessment at least every three years so that the mining activities remain under assessment.
The provisions on annual energy records and yearly energy-efficiency objectives are recommendations in the current standard. They are checked during the audit but are not compulsory requirements for certification.
No. Processing, packaging, traceability and label use must be included in the applicable approved scope. A certified mining supplier does not automatically authorise another company or an unassessed finished product to use the logo.
No. Certification approval and the applicable agreement for logo use must be in force before the logo is used. Any claim must identify the approved mineral, product or activity accurately.
Use the application link below and describe the proposed mine sites, minerals, activities and products. The team will confirm the information required, the appropriate assessment route and the quotation.
Apply for mining certification
Send the organisation name, mine locations, minerals extracted, activities, proposed products and your role in the supply chain. Include details of the current Environmental and Social Impact Assessment and the legal authorisations available for review.
