RJC (voluntary) standards allow mines to operate in conflict zones and protected areas, dump tailings into lakes and oceans, and have no control protocol for emissions. They make no provision for community consent to mining. RJC certification also certifies a company rather than individual projects.

NGO's are recommending a third party, multi-stakeholder process. Several civil society organizations and industry participants are involved in creating this through the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA).