IWIM’s Role in Policy, Governance & Regulation

We contribute to more inclusive policy through collaboration and shared learning

While corporate initiatives can drive important industry-level changes, true systemic transformation in the natural resources sector requires policy-level shifts.

That’s why we participate in multi-stakeholder policy spaces, working alongside governments, international institutions, multilaterals, industry actors and associations, NGOs and civil society groups. These collaborations allow us to both learn from others and share what we know, particularly when it comes to advancing gender equity across the mining sector.

While much of our policy work takes place behind closed doors – in technical working groups, peer reviews, and roundtables – it plays an important role in shaping how policies are developed and implemented on the ground.

How We Contribute

1. Taking part in global initiatives

We contribute to a number of international initiatives focused on responsible mining, gender equity, and sustainable development. This includes:

European Partnership for Responsible Minerals (EPRM): The European Partnership for Responsible Minerals (EPRM) is a multi-stakeholder initiative bringing together governments, mineral supply chain actors and civil society organisations. The aim of EPRM is to increase the proportion of responsibly produced and sourced minerals from artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) communities operating in conflict-affected and high-risk areas (CAHRAs). The EPRM is an accompanying measure to the EU Responsible Minerals Regulation.
→ Engaging in discussions around ethical mineral sourcing in global supply chains.

 

Global Battery Alliance (GBA): A partnership of 150+ businesses, governments, academics, industry actors, international and non-governmental organisations, the GBA mobilises to ensure that battery production not only supports green energy, but also safeguards human rights and promotes health and environmental sustainability.
→ Participating in the ESG committee in a collective effort to improve environmental and social outcomes in the battery value chain. Contributing to the ESG rule books, which will be part of the Global Battery passport

 

Mining 2030 Initiative: The Global Investor Commission on Mining 2030 is a collaborative investor-led initiative seeking to define a vision for a socially and environmentally responsible mining sector overall by 2030, and to develop a consensus about the role of finance in realising this vision. It recognises the mining industry’s important role in society and the transition to a low carbon economy and aims to ensure the sector leaves a positive legacy by addressing key systemic risks holistically.
→ Contributing to work stream 4, focused on ensuring mining delivers sustained benefits at local and national levels.

 

Women’s Rights in Mining (WRM): Women’s Rights and Mining is a collaborative effort of NGOs, researchers and government organisations to secure commitments from key stakeholders in the mining sector to address key gender concerns.
→ We support gender representation at the OECD Forum and contribute to shared research and events where possible.

 

UNECE EGRM Women in Resource Management Group: this Group promotes activities on gender in resource management.
→ Contributing to gender-sensitive standards across oil, gas, mining, and renewables. As well as contributing to events where possible.

 

IRMA (Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance): The Global Investor Commission on Mining 2030 is a collaborative investor-led initiative seeking to define a vision for a socially and environmentally responsible mining sector overall by 2030, and to develop a consensus about the role of finance in realising this vision. It recognises the mining industry’s important role in society and the transition to a low carbon economy and aims to ensure the sector leaves a positive legacy by addressing key systemic risks holistically.
→ Engaging in discussions on responsible mining and strengthening the IRMA standard

 

EITI (Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative): The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative seeks to establish a global standard for the good governance of oil, gas and mineral resources. It seeks to address the key governance issues in the extractive sectors.
→ Supporting the integration of gender mainstreaming into transparency and accountability frameworks.

2. Convening Policy Actors Quarterly – WIM Global Exchange

IWIM convenes policy makers and shapers quarterly to discuss topics of gender and extractives. Launched in 2020, this collaboration platform enhances the work of international organisations, multilaterals, donors, international mining associations and NGOs focused on equity in resources, accelerating positive impact through coordinated efforts at global levels.

The objective is the joining up of the conversation and bringing international organisations together regularly on a round table format which allows exchange of information and knowledge on gender and mining and to provide a space for sharing updates and to ask questions of others.

This informal space allows participants to:

  • Share research and insights
  • Reflect on current approaches to gender and governance in mining
  • Offer feedback on evolving standards and policy directions
  • Discuss synergies and collaborations

We don’t publicly list attendees or outcomes, but these closed-door spaces have become valuable for peer learning and thoughtful discussion.

Our vision is that by being better connected and informed, we can enhance the impact of each participant organisations, avoid duplication of initiatives & research and potentially find new ways to work together.

 

3. Peer review and policy input

Where we can, we contribute to the development and review of mining policies and standards. This includes:

  • Providing feedback on global standards such as those developed by IRMA, EITI, and the Consolidated Mining Standards Initiative (CSMI).
  • Supporting the integration of gender considerations into policy documents, guidelines, and reporting frameworks on request.

 

4. Connecting industry and policy

We aim to act as a bridge between policy development and industry practice. This might include:

  • Sharing relevant reports, policy developments, or research with companies
  • Creating space for industry participation in gender-focused policy conversations
  • Highlighting where global standards and expectations are shifting – and what that means in practice
  • Introduce policy actors to companies when case studies in research are requested, and/or bring industry examples in our committee work in MSGs

 

5. Staying informed

We know we can’t track or influence every legal framework in every mining context – and we don’t pretend to. We focus on contributing where we can add value, staying close to key international frameworks, and always remaining open to learning.

We’re proud to contribute to collective efforts that aim to make mining safer, more inclusive, and more accountable. While we don’t have all the answers, we’re committed to showing up, sharing our perspective, and helping shape policy through collaboration.