From Voluntary to Binding

SSIs have become an increasingly important feature of mining governance. Although traditionally developed as voluntary, non-state instruments, SSIs are increasingly being used by governments to inform policies and legislation, support implementation and reporting, and address complex technical issues. Their integration into public mining governance ranges from voluntary promotion and guidance to recognition as proof of compliance and direct incorporation into mandatory regulations. 

Drawing on a 2025 survey of IGF member countries and three case studies from Brazil, Madagascar, and Sweden, this report examines where and how SSIs are integrated across the policy cycle. The case studies illustrate different approaches: the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management informing regulatory reform in Brazil; the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative informing binding transparency and beneficial ownership requirements in Madagascar; and the Global Reporting Initiative being incorporated into reporting requirements for Swedish state-owned enterprises. 

The report finds that SSIs can provide governments with technical expertise, international reference points, additional data, and tools to support responsible mining, market access, and investment. However, their effective integration requires adequate institutional capacity for oversight, audit interpretation, and data use. The report concludes that SSIs are most effective when they complement and reinforce public regulation rather than replace it, and when their use is aligned with national priorities and the relevant stages of the policy cycle.