Reflecting on the landmark IRMA assurance of Eramet’s Grande Côte operation in Senegal — the first IRMA-assured mine in West Africa and the first mobile mineral sands operation to reach this level — they share insights into the motivations, challenges, and tangible impacts of undergoing a rigorous independent assessment.

The conversation explores what downstream buyers are looking for from responsible mining operations, how IRMA standards have influenced workforce practices, community engagement, and environmental management, and the lessons this collaboration offers to other mining companies and governments across the continent.

Looking ahead, they discuss how broader adoption of responsible mining standards could strengthen investor confidence, expand market access, and support long-term sustainable development outcomes for African economies.