SGS is proud to announce that we are now accredited to support the Australian mining sector, including Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) member companies, to achieve compliance with the newly mandated Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) sustainability framework.
Last year our team undertook the TSM auditor training, organised by the Copper Mark, and qualified early this year as an approved assessor for the scheme. This new solution represents our continued commitment through our IMPACT NOW for sustainability services, offering to help mining companies manage environmental, social and governance (ESG) risk, meet regulatory obligations and demonstrate operational best practice.
Managing Director Johan O’Connell said: "As a long-term partner to the Australian mining industry, we’re excited to expand our capabilities and provide practical, site-level support that helps operators demonstrate responsible mining practices while meeting evolving ESG and compliance expectations."
Helping mining operators to reduce compliance risks
As of 2025, all MCA members are required to evaluate and publicly report on their performance against the TSM framework. Early preparation enables mine operators to conduct comprehensive site-level assessments, identify gaps and address non-conformances well ahead of mandatory external verification, reducing compliance risk and operational disruption.
With external verification being required every three years, we are well-positioned to support the industry with Gap Assessments to prepare and for formal verification when required.
Our auditors bring in-depth expertise and hands-on experience across operational mining environments, delivering robust, site-specific assessments covering environmental stewardship, social responsibility and health & safety performance. This includes alignment with recognised standards such as ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and SMETA, supporting integrated compliance and assurance programmes.
What is TSM?
Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) is a globally recognised sustainability programme adopted by the Minerals Council of Australia to help mining companies systematically manage, measure and communicate environmental and social performance at the site level.
MCA members are required to assess mine-site performance against TSM standards, obtain third-party verification and publicly report results as part of their membership obligations. The framework covers nine performance protocols across two pillars: Communities & People and Environment & Climate Change.
Unlike other corporate, investor-focused ESG frameworks, TSM is a site-level performance management and improvement system. It enables mines to effectively evaluate, improve and communicate best practice based on what’s happening on the ground, not confined to the boardroom.
Benefits of partnering with SGS for TSM compliance
- Demonstrate ESG Leadership
Meet mandatory MCA requirements while showcasing your commitment to transparent and responsible mining practices
- Strengthen your licence to operate
Reinforce trust with communities, regulators, investors and Indigenous stakeholders through independent third-party verification under TSM
- Prepare for global ESG expectations
TSM alignment supports broader ESG disclosure frameworks such as TCFD, ASRS, ISSB and ICMM principles, helping future-proof your sustainability strategy
- Identify opportunities for improvement
Our audit process provides actionable insights to enhance your performance across key areas, such as tailings, energy, biodiversity, safety and Indigenous engagement
- Benchmark against industry best practice
Compare performance across sites and against peers, driving continuous improvement and sector leadership
Demonstrate responsible mining practices and TSM compliance with SGS
As the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, we combine in-depth industry knowledge with proven expertise and expert auditors across Australia. Our unrivalled experience in sustainability verification, ESG assurance, circularity, climate and nature delivers credible, third-party verification across all TSM protocols.
We are formally recognised to conduct TSM audits as part of the MCA Enduring Value framework – ensuring alignment with Australian industry expectations through a full suite of services across all nine TSM protocols. From smelters to open-cut mines, we bring deep sector knowledge across zinc, copper, coal, gold and critical minerals operations. As a globally respected third-party auditor, we bring objective credibility to your TSM performance ratings, helping you stand up to public, investor and supply chain scrutiny.
For further information, please contact:
Dora Mindakis
Sustainability Commercial and Account Manager
t: +61483334647
About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of over 100,000 dedicated professionals. With more than 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.
Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and a portfolio of trusted specialized brands, including Applied Technical Services, Brightsight, Bluesign and Nutrasource.
SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH1256740924, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN SW).
