RMI Audit Firm and Auditor Approval Process
The RMI approves auditors to enable them to conduct Responsible Minerals Assurance Process (RMAP) audits. The auditor approval process is designed to verify that auditors have appropriate experience and expertise, and that there is no conflict of interest when undertaking RMAP audits for smelters. The approval process follows the relevant requirements outlined in ISO 17011, the international standard for accrediting certification/assessment bodies. Please review Audit Firm and Auditor Approval Process for detailed information on RMI requirements.
To become an approved auditing body for RMAP, audit firms must complete the RMAP Audit Firm Approval Application, fill out the Approved Auditor List as well as the Auditor Approval Application for each auditor on the List, and return it to the RMI for consideration (please email us here). Each individual auditor candidacy, nominated by the approved audit firm, is also to be reviewed and approved by the RMI before the auditors are able to conduct RMAP audits.
RMAP Audit Documents and Tools
Auditor Training
The auditor approval process is supported by specific on-line and in-person courses on RMAP’s audit protocols and procedures, in addition to the pre-requisites for relevant auditor training/certifications and experience. Auditor on-line training courses can be found on the RMI eLearning Academy (free and open to all). A list of the required on-line courses is included below. Click here to request credentials for the eLearning Academy. Approved auditors are also required to undergo an in-person auditor training whenever available in their region.
Required Auditor Courses
- To be completed online before conducting the first audit
- Overview of the RMI’s RMAP Standard
- RMI Overview of RMAP Standard Requirements
- Practical Implementation of the RMI’s RMAP Standard
- Introduction to Auditing Against the RMI's RMAP Standard
- Risk management for low-risk sources
- Risk management for high-risk sources
- Introduction to the OECD Due Diligence Guidance
- OECD Due Diligence Guidance Step 1
- Tools for Responsible Mineral Sourcing from High-Risk Areas
- Identifying Responsible Mineral Sourcing Risks
- Identifying Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas (CAHRAs)
- RMI Know Your Counterparty (KYC)
- KYC and AML
- RMI Auditor Training 2019: Revised Procedure and Assessment Tools
- Implementing the Revised RMAP Standards
- RMI Virtual Auditor Training (March 2020)
- RMI Remote Auditor Training (November 2020)
- RMI Auditor Training (June 2021)
- RMI Auditor Townhall (November 2021)
- RMI Downstream Assessment Program (DAP) Training 2021
- RMI Auditor Training: Addressing Key Elements Highlighted in the OECD Alignment Assessment for EU Recognition Purposes March 2022
- RMI Upstream Due Diligence
- Upstream Assurance Training – Better Mining Program
- All Minerals Due Diligence and ESG Standards Training
- To be completed online before conducting mineral-specific audit
- Responsible Gold Sourcing
- Introduction to RMI's RMAP Gold Standard
- Joint RMI - LBMA - RJC Auditor Training: Due Diligence of Gold Refiners
- Responsible Cobalt Sourcing
- Cobalt Standard - Auditor Training
- Cobalt Webinar Series
- RMI Joint Due Diligence Standard: Module 1
- RMI Joint Due Diligence Standard: Module 2
- RMI Joint Due Diligence Standard: Module 3
- RMI Joint Due Diligence Standard: Module 4
- RMI Joint Due Diligence Standard: Module 5
- RMI Responsible Mica Sourcing
- Smelting & Refining 101: Tantalum
- Smelting & Refining 101: Tin
- Smelting & Refining 101: Tungsten
- Smelting & Refining 101: Gold
- Risk Readiness Assessment Criteria - Freshwater Management and Conservation
- Risk Readiness Assessment Criteria - Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions
- Risk Readiness Assessment Criteria - Human Rights
- Risk Readiness Assessment Criteria - Forced Labor
- Risk Readiness Assessment Criteria - Waste Management
- Risk Readiness Assessment Criteria - Pollution
- Risk Readiness Assessment Criteria - Biodiversity and Protected Areas
Fully Approved Auditing Firms
RMAP and Downstream Audit Program
Arche Advisors
https://www.archeadvisors.com/
Based in the U.S.
Scope: RMAP and DAP - International
Approved since 2016
Intertek
https://www.intertek.com/
Based in the UK
Scope: RMAP and DAP - International
Approved since 2016
SCS Global Services
https://www.scsglobalservices.com/
Based in the U.S.
Scope: RMAP and DAP -International
Approved since 2016
Based in the U.S.
Scope: RMAP and DAP - International
Approved since 2010
Based in Switzerland and Hong Kong
Scope: RMAP and DAP - China
Approved since 2011
Provisionally Approved Auditing Firms
BDO (through September 30, 2023)
https://www.bdo.co.uk
Scope: International, based in the UK
Auditing RMAP since 2021
BSI (through Sptember 30, 2023)
https://www.bsi.com
Scope: International, based in the US
Auditing RMAP since 2021
ELEVATE (through September 30, 2023)
https://www.elevatelimited.com
Scope: International, based in Hong Kong
Auditing RMAP since 2021
ERM CVS (through September 30, 2023)
https://www.ermcvs.com
Scope: International, based in the US
Auditing RMAP since 2021
EuroCert (through September 30, 2023)
https://www.eurocert.asia AND https://www.eurocert.gr
Scope: International, based in the EU
Auditing RMAP since 2021
Greenment (through Septmber 30, 2023)
http://www.greenment.net
Scope: International, based in China
Auditing RMAP since 2021
TDI (through July 31, 2023)
https://www.thedragonflyinitiative.com/
Scope: International, based in the UK
Auditing RMAP since 2020
TUV Rheinland (through October 31, 2023)
https://www.tuv.com/world/en/
Scope: International, based in Germany
Auditing RMAP since 2022
Note: Auditing firms conducting audits in China require additional approval.
The RMI regularly reviews information submitted by auditing firms to assess their continued acceptability to remain on the list of approved auditors. All approved auditors must undergo re-approval to remain on the list of approved firms every three years. To apply for re-approval, please use the same form as for the initial application.
Any concerns about the RMAP can be raised directly to RMI staff and through the Grievances and Complaints Mechanism page (anonymous feedback option available).
