July 31, 2023 – The Alliance For Responsible Mining (ARM) proudly announces the appointment of Patrick Schein as the new chairman of the board, succeeding the esteemed leadership of Felix Hruschka, who has served with passion in this role for the past five years. This transition marks a significant milestone for the organization as it continues to champion responsible mining practices worldwide.
Under Felix’s visionary leadership, ARM has achieved remarkable progress in promoting sustainable mining, empowering mining communities, and safeguarding the environment. His dedication and strategic acumen have played a pivotal role in elevating ARM’s reputation as a global force for positive change in the mining industry.
“During the past half decade of turbulent challenges like COVID, our team has had to demonstrate and secure the resilience of our organization on many occasions while working hard to strengthen the resilience and sustainability of legitimate ASM miners who are at the heart of our initiative. As I have had the privilege of serving as Chair of the Board during this time, I would like to thank our team and to express our gratitude to all of our allies who have stood by us faithfully and helped making ARM an even stronger initiative. Please have a look at our most recent
For me, this has been an exciting and amazing experience and learning opportunity. With this cycle complete, I believe it is the right time to step down and hand over leadership. New challenges and tasks on our journey towards ARM 2.0 lie ahead and require renewed leadership. I am excited about the Board’s decision to elect Patrick as our new Chair. And I’m happy that this will give me more time to focus on topics like standard setting, as one of ARM’s core roles.”
Patrick Schein is a French entrepreneur in precious metals with more than 35 years of experience. Recognised as an expert of artisanal mining supply chains, Schein conducted and participated in several studies for governments and international organizations on artisanal mining (gold, gems and construction material) in Africa, Latam and Asia. He is also active on the redefinition of recycled gold supply chains.
“I am proud and honoured to succeed Felix as Chairman of the Board of the Alliance for Responsible Mining Foundation. I thank Felix for his dedicated leadership which has enabled the organization to be recognised as a global enabler for sustainable ASM.
I’ll bring to the position my experience of 35 years in the precious metals supply chain and of the organization as a member of ARM’s Board of Directors since 2006. I’ll also bring my conviction that sustainable and empowered ASM is a must for any mineral supply chain to be responsible.
Together with ARM’s team, we will always carry the voice of sustainable ASM to the world and change the paradigm to prove that an ASM mineral is the best product available on the market because its social impact is huge while it can contribute to the decarbonisation of the sector and to the local economy.
As chairman of the Board of ARM, one of Patrick’s key goals is to evolve the organization’s strategy to meet the challenges of an ever-changing artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) world. Patrick aims to steer the organization towards addressing climate change issues, including carbon emissions and the demand for metals in the energy transition. By adapting to these evolving realities, ARM will continue to fulfill its mission and create a lasting impact on responsible mining practices and the well-being of mining communities worldwide.
As Patrick Schein steps into the role of President, he brings with him a wealth of experience in sustainable markets. With a strong track record of driving positive change in the gold industry sector, Patrick is poised to build upon Felix’s legacy and take ARM to new heights.
“ARM is excited to continue moving towards the transformation of ASM communities. Patrick’s arrival as President will help achieve the ARM 2.0 strategy that aims to evolve to a next level of knowledge-based, efficient, and value-driven organization. We are also glad to have Felix back into our technical team as Standard leader and colleague.”
The Alliance For Responsible Mining remains steadfast in its commitment to empowering artisanal and small-scale miners, promoting environmentally friendly mining techniques, and fostering sustainable livelihoods for mining communities. As the organization welcomes Patrick Schein as President, it looks forward to embarking on a new era of progress and positive impact.