Self-Assessment Tools for Mining Companies

Guiding principles

The guiding principles that apply to the Finnish mining responsibility standard provide direction for how the self-assessment tools are interpreted and used. These principles support consistent, transparent, and credible application of the TSM standard across mining operations.

Performance levels

The TSM standard is based on nine self-assessment tools, each with its own performance levels and defined assessment criteria. The performance levels are organized into five categories, where level C represents compliance with Finnish legislation. All levels build on one another, reflecting increasing maturity and integration of responsible mining practices.

Level / Assessment criteria

• C
  The site meets the requirements of Finnish legislation. No formal systems are in place. Practices are often reactive. Some procedures may exist but they are not incorporated into documented principles or management systems.
• B
  Actions are not fully consistent or are not documented. Systems and processes have been planned and are under development.
• A
  Processes have been developed and implemented. Communication is transparent and reporting is publicly available.
• AA
  Systems and processes are integrated into management decision making and operational activities.
• AAA
  Systems are excellent and considered industry leading.

 

Self-Assessment Tools for Mining Companies

The up to date self-assessment tools open as Word documents through the links below.

• Stakeholder cooperation
• Biodiversity management
• Tailings management
• Water management
• Energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions
• Occupational health and safety
• Crisis management
• Mine closure
• Climate change*
• Equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplaces (EDI)**

* The Climate Change Protocol replaces Energy Use and GHG Emissions Management Protocol. Facilities will execute their first internal assessments on the TSM Climate Change Protocol in 2024 at latest.

** ?

Verification

The results of the self-assessments completed under the TSM standard are externally verified every three years. Verification may only be carried out by individuals who have completed the required qualification training and who are approved either by the Finnish Mining Responsibility Network or by the TSM standard. A list of verification service providers is available through the Finnish Mining Association. The guidance for verification services is available through the link below.

Mining companies are responsible for commissioning the verification of their self-assessment results from approved service providers and ensuring that sufficient time is allocated for the verification before results are submitted.

Qualification and refresher training for verifiers is organised as needed.

Verification service guidance [TBD whether the document will be updated]

Self-Assessment Tools for Exploration Companies

The self-assessment tools for exploration companies are available through the link below:
– Self-assessment tool

The first verified results were published in 2021.