Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) and Indigenous Peoples Advisory Forum (IPAF) held a one day workshop at the 10th International Conference and Exhibition on Bauxite, Alumina and Aluminium (IBAAS – JNARDDC 2022) in Raipur. The theme of the IBAAS 2022 conference was ‘Sustainability Challenges of Bauxite, Alumina & Aluminium Industry’.
Around 50 attendees including representatives from Vedanta, Hindalco, Nalco, Hydro,the International Aluminium Institute (IAI), Soquipami and various other companies in the aluminium supply chain.
The workshop provided an opportunity to explain ASI, the work of IPAF, the revised ASI Standards, certification process and the issues that aluminium companies in India face. The IPAF team presented on the importance of Human Rights and Indigenous Peoples Rights and the Constitutional and Legal provisions in India, and how Indigenous Peoples can be a partner in mining development processes. It was an interactive workshop and it provided a great opportunity for ASI and IPAF to connect with aluminium companies located in India.
The aim of the meeting was to share grassroot experiences and observations in regards to mining in these states. ASI presented on the requirements of the revised ASI Performance Standard (in particular criteria on Human Rights (9.1) and Free, Prior and Informed Consent (9.4)) as well as good practice examples from Australia and Suriname. At the end of the meeting the participants agreed on an action plan, including how Gram Sabhas can be more included in the decision-making processes.