TMU CSR Institute zoom session: Unpacking the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance: in Conversation with IRMA's Executive Director Aimee Boulanger

The Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) (external link)  is a global organization working on making responsible mining a reality, via its standard-setting and assurance programs and in coalition with civil society, communities, workers and the private sector—mining companies, their customers and the financial sector. IRMA is recognized for administering the Standard for Responsible Mining, one of the world's most comprehensive frameworks for evaluating mining performance at site level across issues such as environmental protection, worker health and safety, Indigenous rights, community impacts, human rights, and corporate accountability. Born from a collaborative multistakeholder effort to define more responsible mining practices, IRMA has continually refined its auditing and chain of custody approaches. In this zoom discussion, Executive Director Aimee Boulanger will explore the organization's ongoing evolution, the complex challenges of global implementation, and the next strategic steps in mining assurance.

About the Speaker

Aimee Boulanger is a widely respected leader in the field of responsible mining and mineral supply chains, with more than two decades of experience working on the environmental, social, and human rights dimensions of the mining sector. As Executive Director of the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA), she oversees the organization's strategic direction, multi-stakeholder governance processes, and global operations. In her leadership role, Boulanger works closely with mining companies, affected communities, labour organizations, civil society groups, investors, and downstream purchasers to advance credible and independently verified responsible mining practices.

Prior to becoming Executive Director, Boulanger served for many years as a coordinator and leader within IRMA's standard-development process, helping guide the creation of the organization's globally recognized assurance system. Her career has combined advocacy, coalition-building, and organizational leadership, including work with mining-affected communities across North America and internationally. Earlier positions included serving as Coordinator of the Western Mining Action Network, Program Director of the Institute for Children's Environmental Health, and Executive Director of Women’s Voices for the Earth. Throughout her career she has specialized in building dialogue among diverse stakeholders—including community groups, scientists, government agencies, businesses, labour representatives, and non-governmental organizations—to address complex environmental and social challenges. She holds a degree in Environmental Studies and Politics from Mount Holyoke College and has been involved with IRMA's leadership since 2012.

About the Moderator

Dr. Kernaghan Webb holds Bachelor's, Master's and Doctorate degrees in law, and is an Associate Professor in the Toronto Metropolitan University Department of Law and Business. He is also the Founding Director of the TMU Institute for the Study of Corporate Social Responsibility. Prof. Webb's extensive law and regulation research and publications have among other things been cited and followed  (external link) by the Supreme Court of Canada. In addition to his scholarly work, Dr. Webb has also been employed by or advised governments and inter-governmental bodies, and he has been on the board of directors or otherwise assisted private sector, and civil society organizations on regulatory matters. During the development of the ISO 26000 social responsibility standard, Professor Webb was appointed as Special Advisor to the UN Global Compact concerning IS0 26000. He has variously played leadership roles in the development of international and national social and economic standards, and received international and national recognition for his leadership.