Highlights
• We analyze interaction dynamics between the IRMA standard and public regulations governing lithium mining in Argentina.
• We argue that these interactions can be characterized as loosely complementary and independently coexisting.
• The IRMA standard and public regulations include similar provisions regarding environmental harms and public participation.
• The IRMA Standard provides better protections than public regulations for indigenous people's participation but lacks enforcement.
• Better results are more likely to come from enhancing the capacity of producer states to implement and monitor compliance.