March 2012
The world’s first independent ethical certification system for responsibly mined gold – Fairtrade and Fairmined gold – celebrated its first anniversary this Fairtrade Fortnight (27 Feb – 11 March).
Highlights for Fairtrade and Fairmined gold jewellery’s first year included bespoke commissions which adorned the fingers of TV presenter, radio DJ and model Lisa Snowdon and Livia Firth as part of her Green Carpet Challenge at the 2011 Oscars.
Soon 350kg per year of gold will be available to jewellers, with more to follow. In the first year of trading, four gold mining organisations have become certified and an additional two are currently going through the inspection process and will enter the system in May.
People living in the isolated Peruvian community of Santa Filomena have already reaped the benefits as Sotrami, the first Peruvian mining organisation to be certified, began working with Cred Jewellery. The community invested in healthcare, built an extension to the primary school and bought computers for the senior school. They opened a not-for-profit convenience store which means the 500-strong community can buy food at reasonable prices.
With a grant of £820,318 from Comic Relief over the next three years, the Alliance for Responsible Mining will be partnering with the Fairtrade Foundation, Fairtrade Africa and Solidaridad to develop gold supplies from artisanal and small-scale miners in Africa.
See our joint press release with the Fairtrade Foundation.