Launching the Responsible Mica Initiative’s audit cycle of sorting sites in Madagascar: strengthening compliance and continuous improvement
Kicking-off a new phase of accountability in Madagascar
Between September and early December 2025, the Responsible Mica Initiative (RMI) is conducting a series of initial audits of mica sorting sites across Madagascar, marking another important step in advancing responsible mica sourcing and improving working conditions throughout the country’s mica supply chain.
These audits are carried out by 3 SGS Mauritius RMI–accredited auditors with strong experience in Madagascar’s local context and sustainability challenges. A total of 8 RMI member companies are audited in key mica-processing regions, including Antananarivo, Fort-Dauphin, Amboasary, Benato-Toby and Betroka.
The purpose of this audit program is to verify progress and compliance against the 416 criteria of the Global Workplace and Due Diligence Standard (GWS) for mica sorters and to design tailored technical support plans that help RMI members continuously improve their social and environmental performance.
Objectives of the audit
These audits have two main objectives:
- Verify compliance with RMI’s Global Workplace and Due Diligence Standard (GWS) – ensuring that member companies meet core expectations related to ethical business practices, fair labor conditions, environment and supply chain due diligence.
- Develop improvement plans and related technical support – enabling members to get clear corrective action measures for their unit and RMI to better target its assistance to them, thereby strengthening local implementation, and fostering measurable progress across Madagascar’s mica sector.
Through these audits, RMI seeks to reinforce accountability and promote a culture of continuous improvement among its local partners.
Methodology
The audit, focuses on five critical areas (Occupational Health & Safety, Governance, Social, Environmental and Due diligence) and aligns with a triangulated methodology of verification through:
- Documentation and internal management systems ‘review.
- Site walk throughs to observe actual working conditions and occupational safety.
- Interviews with workers and management to ensure a 360° understanding of workplace dynamics and compliance efforts.
This comprehensive approach provides a detailed and consolidated view of sorting site performance, while identifying strengths and areas needing improvement.
Preliminary findings and observations
As for now, the ongoing audit campaign reveals encouraging signs:
- The auditors demonstrate solid knowledge of Madagascar’s local realities, social dynamics, and mica supply chain structure.
- Audited companies show a strong level of cooperation and transparency throughout the audit process.
- Findings align closely with RMI’s prior internal assessments, validating the organization’s ongoing monitoring and engagement methods.
- The results also confirm the relevance of RMI’s individual support approach, which helps tailor interventions to the specific needs and capacities of local sorting sites.
These consolidated insights will be essential for shaping future technical assistance plans, enabling RMI to provide targeted, high-impact support to its Malagasy members.
Supporting sorting sites in achieving the GWS standard
The initial audits not only verify progress and compliance but also act as a new starting point for collaboration. Based on the audit findings, RMI and its partners will work together to:
- Develop individualized improvement roadmaps addressing any identified gaps.
- Strengthen training and awareness among company staff and workers.
- Enhance traceability mechanisms to ensure greater transparency in mica flows from mine to export.
- Consolidate progress monitoring tools, helping member companies track their performance against GWS.
This ongoing cycle of auditing, feedback and support is central to RMI’s strategy to embed responsible practices throughout the mica value chain.
Driving continuous improvement through graded accountability
To drive continuous improvement and recognize excellence across RMI membership, we have implemented a transparent grading system based on audit compliance scores. Sites are categorized as Advanced, Performing, Intermediate, or Insufficient, with clear thresholds that distinguish exemplary performance from areas requiring focused attention.
This tiered approach enhances visibility of high performers and establishes timebound expectations for progression – ensuring that all sites work toward achieving higher performance levels within defined periods. Through targeted support and accountability measures, every site has a clear pathway toward achieving compliance against the GWS standard.
Audits as part of a holistic approach towards meaningful change
Madagascar is the 2nd mica-producing country – representing 15% of global volumes – after India, and ensuring responsible sourcing there is critical to achieving RMI’s global mission. By verifying compliance and identifying concrete corrective actions, RMI audits represent one essential tool for driving lasting change. However, audits alone are insufficient. RMI’s comprehensive approach includes establishing contracts at sorting sites, providing worker training, conducting productivity assessments and wage studies, and facilitating crucial dialogue between upstream and downstream supply chains to finance improvements. Together, these interconnected activities create the foundation for sustainable, long-term transformation in Madagascar’s mica sector.
Building long-term impact through continuous auditing and collaboration
The 2025 audit campaign in Madagascar demonstrates how collaboration, local expertise, and transparent evaluation can create meaningful progress toward a responsible mica supply chain.
With eight mica sorting sites to be audited and individualized support plans underway, RMI reaffirms its commitment to working together with Malagasy stakeholders to build a mica sector that respects workers, communities, and the environment.
