Gerdau, Brazil’s largest steel producer, received recognition from the IRMA standard (Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance) for its Miguel Burnier iron ore mine, located in the municipality of Ouro Preto (MG). The operation achieved the IRMA 50 performance level, awarded following an independent audit conducted by SCS Global Services. This achievement reinforces the company’s transparency and commitment to sustainability and business integrity.

The recognition attests that the Miguel Burnier Mine was evaluated by independent auditors who assessed nearly 400 requirements, divided into four principles: corporate integrity, planning for positive legacies, social responsibility, and environmental responsibility. With this achievement, the Miguel Burnier Mine joins an exclusive group of 23 large-scale mines around the world that have already undergone this rigorous evaluation process.

Established to enhance the environmental and social performance of mining operations, IRMA is a global initiative that evaluates mine performance according to a commonly agreed-upon definition of best practices in mining amongst a diverse set of stakeholders. It ensures equal participation among all stakeholders, including mining companies, ore buyers, investors, labor organizations, communities, and NGOs. The voluntary audit process involves detailed assessments carried out by independent firms, including on-site visits to verify the operation’s compliance with the highest international standards.

The report on Miguel Burnier can be found here.