Modern societies rely on mined minerals and metals to function. Nearly everything manufactured or constructed – from buildings to roads to computers and trains – contains material mined from the Earth. Mining provides important employment and financial opportunities for host communities and host countries. But large-scale mining is a complex and intensive process that can negatively impact the physical environment, such as through the loss of habitat or contamination of water, and local communities’ social and economic situations. IRMA was founded in 2006 by a coalition of nongovernment organizations (NGOs); downstream businesses who purchase minerals and metals for the products they make and sell; trade unions; affected communities; and mining companies. IRMA leaders believe that many of the negative social and environmental impacts can be avoided if mines operate according to leading practices. Its vision is: a world where the mining industry is: respectful of the human rights and aspirations of affected communities; provides safe, healthful and respectful workplaces; avoids or minimizes harm to the environment; and leaves positive legacies. The IRMA Steering Committee set the mission to establish a multi-stakeholder and independently verified responsible mining assurance system that improves social and environmental performance and creates value for leading mine sites. Through IRMA: • Industrial-scale mines can document their leadership and receive value for proven responsible performance; • Purchasers of metals and minerals can source from mines that meet or are working toward meeting a full array of leading practices in social and environmental responsibility; • Communities, workers, and civil society organizations can convey social licence with assurance that the mine operates to leading levels of socially and environmentally responsible performance.