In 2020, the Mining Association of Canada (MAC) began a review of the Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) Verification Service Providers (VSP) Terms of Reference to ensure continued alignment with the expectations of the mining industry’s communities of interest and good verification practice. In keeping with MAC’s commitment to transparency and accountability with regards to TSM, this document summarizes key survey findings and describes the steps that MAC plans to take to respond to these recommendations.
A survey was circulated in July 2020 to nearly 200 individuals. In total, 61 individuals responded to the survey – 34 VSPs, 15 MAC members, 5 members of MAC’s Community of Interest Advisory Panel (COI Panel), 3 representatives of other sustainability standards, 3 representatives of other national mining associations that implement TSM, and one other respondent. The survey questions sought input on the credibility of TSM verification and other processes, qualifications and training requirements, and additional issues of relevance to the program. Below is a summary of responses.
