Verification

Verification Process

In order to ensure the credibility, accountability, and transparency of the TSM program, there are a number of processes in place to validate that published TSM performance results present an accurate picture of each facility’s management systems and performance.

Facilities annually self-assess their performance against all indicators under the TSM protocols using the rating system.

External verification of self-assessments is undertaken by trained verifiers every three years. There an established process for external verification to ensure that Members’ reporting on Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) performance indicators is consistent, accurate and transparent. The TSM Verification Guide and Terms of Reference for Verifiers have been developed to ensure that:

  • Members follow a clear and consistent process for hiring Verifiers.
  • Verifiers meet minimum standards and conform to defined procedures to perform verification that can be relied upon by Members and their Communities of Interest (CoI)

The Verification Summary Report Template provides a consistent reporting structure and is used by verifiers to provide a brief commentary about the types of evidence consulted to inform the results and any key findings. The company CEO, or equivalent, provides a letter of assurance confirming the external verification has been conducted in accordance with the Terms of Reference.

Each year, the Community of Interest Advisory Panel selects a sample of companies to present and discuss their TSM results.

TSM Verifier Training

Individuals interested in becoming TSM verifiers should contact tsm@minerals.org.au.

TSM and Copper Mark are consolidated their training and creating a single list of assurance providers eligible to conduct assurance for both standards. Current and prospective TSM verifiers are being asked to:

  1. Complete this assessor approval application form to ensure standardised information about existing TSM verifiers and Copper Mark assessors and to identify and address any potential gaps in qualifications. Note that, if you are already an approved TSM verifier, you will be accepted as an assurance provider for both TSM and Copper Mark through 2027, regardless of potential gaps in qualifications relative to any new requirements.
  2. Participate in one of three training sessions offered in 2025. Registration for the sessions can be found here.
    Sessions targeting Pacific time zones are planned for Q2 (June) and Q4 (Dec) of 2025.
    Current verifiers who paid for TSM or The Copper Mark assurance provider training within the last two years are able to access the training free of charge.