Programs
The global strategy of the Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM) includes two holistic programs with different but complementary approaches and diverse beneficiary populations: CRAFT (a Passport to formal markets) and Fairmined. These programs are financed by multiple donors and implemented in various territories according to the needs of the mining communities. In these territories, ARM seeks resource efficiency by implementing integral strategies in alliance with local and regional actors.
In the following illustration, you can understand which is the responsible mining progressive path that the Alliance for Responsible Mining is inviting miners to follow. It starts with CRAFT, for accessing formal markets (first steps on the path) and following with Fairmined. If you scroll down, you will understand both programs better.
CRAFT: Passport to formal markets
The CRAFT program seeks to encourage improved practices in artisanal and small-scale mining, facilitating access to legal markets, in collaboration with the community, public and private partners.
Program participants: Artisanal and small-scale miners and miners with low levels of formalization, especially in conflict and high-risk areas.
Tool: CRAFT Code
Fairmined
The Fairmined program seeks to encourage responsible practices in artisanal and small-scale mining, facilitating access to fair supply chains and generating a positive economic, social and environmental impact in mining communities.
Beneficiaries: Formalized artisanal and small-scale mining organizations.
Tool: Fairmined Standard
Since 2012 and together with the participation of 130 players from Latin America, Africa, the United States and Asia, ARM has been developing and verifying the success of the Fairmined model. This model has made it possible to support the sustainable development of organizations and communities in the artisanal and small-scale mining sector, driven by the demand for ethically produced and marketed minerals and metals.
Through the Fairmined program, ARM supports advanced mining organizations in the training process to reach the most demanding international standards. In addition, the program goes beyond training and certification of mining organizations. It seeks to foster a local environment of mining governance through the creation of spaces for dialogue at the local level with public and private actors, civil society organizations and the miners themselves, to design and execute a joint action plan. The objective is to anchor the Fairmined model in the territories where we work, through the growth of the number of organizations committed to responsible mining practices.
Fairmined Certification more than ever is a viable process with very good perspectives for development and expansion in the world. In 2017, the demand for ethical gold in international markets exceeded the gold supply of certified mining organizations. To expand the number of certified mining organizations and the availability of Fairmined Gold, we collaborate with partners such as Solidaridad and the Better Gold Initiative, with its implementing partners in Colombia, Peru and Bolivia.