The Copper Mark has opened applications for an independent chair of its board of directors as it prepares to take on a broader mandate – managing the new Consolidated Mining Standard, a global framework that will align and simplify responsible mining practices across commodities and jurisdictions.

The Copper Mark, an assurance framework promoting responsible production, sourcing, and recycling across the copper, molybdenum, nickel, and zinc value chains, is one of four partners developing the Consolidated Mining Standards Initiative (CMSI), alongside the Mining Association of Canada, the World Gold Council, and the ICMM.

Set for completion in 2026, the Consolidated Mining Standard aims to simplify and align existing sustainability frameworks, providing greater clarity and consistency for mining companies worldwide. Under the CMSI, the Copper Mark will assume ownership and management of the new standard, its assurance process, and associated claims policy.

“The independent chair will play a critical role to uphold the integrity of the Copper Mark and ensure we continue to drive performance improvements across and along mineral and metal value chains,” said Copper Mark executive director Michèle Brülhart.

To prepare for this expanded role, the Copper Mark is evolving its governance structure, name, and business scope. The new governance model envisions an independent 17-member board chaired by the incoming independent chair, with balanced representation from upstream mining and downstream value chain stakeholders.

Applications for the independent chair are open until November 4. Candidates must demonstrate extensive leadership experience in government, multilateral organisations, the not-for-profit sector, or business, and must not have worked in the mining and metals industry in the past three years. The position carries a three-year term, renewable once with board approval.

The ideal candidate will have board-level experience, a proven ability to foster dialogue among diverse stakeholders, and a deep understanding of governance best practices in multi-stakeholder or standard-setting contexts.

The selection process will be led by the CMSI’s Stakeholder Advisory Group and Industry Advisory Group, reflecting the collaborative, transparent principles underpinning the initiative’s development.

The Copper Mark’s latest governance steps follow the CMSI’s publication of its Governance Model on September 8, and coincide with the final public consultation, launched on October 8, on the Consolidated Standard, Assurance Process, and Claims Policy. Feedback will remain open until November 17.