Fairmined Gold. Support the people and the environment
85-90% of all gold mined today comes from large mines operating within established minimum standards. On the other hand, 10-15% of all new gold is excavated in small artisanal mines, most often in developing and poor countries in South America, Southeast Asia, and Africa. Moreover, these mines employ 10-15 million people and are the backbone of families and communities of up to 100 million.
Thousands of these small-scale mines operate outside the organised economy. They are often based on child or forced labour, and salaries are much lower than the official minimum wage. Money finances armed conflicts and local mafias. Mining and violence go hand in hand. In many such mines, there are hardly any safety standards. People, in particular, are exposed to mercury and get brain damage for life. People are dying because of a lack of simple things like oxygen. The local environment is often heavily polluted. 80% of the mercury in the oceans comes from these small mines and causes severe damage to wildlife as far away as the North Pole – said Ole Bjorn Fausa, co-owner of the Samlerhuset Group at the Numismatic Congress in Warsaw.
What is Fairmined?
A few years ago, an organisation called Fairmined spun off from Fairtrade. Fairmined was set up with support from the United Nations, the International Labor Organization, Microsoft, the Samlerhuset Group, and the two large jewellery brands Chopard and Kering to help transform small informal mines. Today, Fairmined is an initiative whose label certifies gold of responsible origin. It guarantees that traceable gold is extracted using the best mining practices to preserve the environment all while supporting the development of artisanal and small-scale mining communities.
Reidar Nilsen, CEO of the Samlerhuset Group, says improving working conditions and ensuring fair prices for small-scale mining organisations is one of the most critical challenges in the mining and numismatics industries.
Fair price and a bonus for innovation
Small, artisanal mining organisations that adapt their operations to international standards obtain the Fairmined certificate. The system gives miners a fair price for their work and encourages investment in social development. Thanks to an additional bonus for operating under the Fairmined standard. The Alliance precedes the certification with a preparation period and provides the funds needed to implement changes.
A win-win situation
What is the benefit for small mines that have been certified?
First, a fair price for gold and additional funds to implement best practicies. Second, direct access to the international market and responsible distributors. Third, access to the exchange of knowledge and technologies.
We have decided to transform our mine and obtain the Fairmined Gold certificate because it brings financial, health-related, and environmental benefits – says James Perez, Cooperativa Multiactiva Agrominera de Iquira in Colombia.
Francisco Ccama from the Peruvian mine Oro Puno adds that running a small mine demands commitment, wisdom, and effort. We encourage other mining organisations to follow our lead.
What is the benefit for the mining industry?
Above all, evidence that it supports fair practices and opposes the destruction of the environment. Samlerhuset Group has taken it upon ourselves to encourage the world of coins and medals to take a stand for ethical sourcing of gold. We urge governments, central banks, and mints to source gold people can be proud of owning – says Ole Bjorn Fausa.
What is the benefit for customers?
First, it is certain that the gold comes from an environmentally friendly source. Second, profits will support equality and the elimination of child and forced labour instead of falling into the hands of criminal groups.
Fairmined and The Samlerhuset Group
We are a proud and licensed Fairmined partner, and we have been continuously cooperating with them since 2015. That year, Samlerhuset and The Mint of Norway produced the first certified commemorative medal in the world.
We also suggested that the Norwegian Nobel Committee should follow this initiative. Therefore, the Committee decided that the first Nobel Peace Prize was produced in Fairmined gold in 2016. The Nobel Committee awarded the prize to the president of Colombia, Juan Manuel Santos. This was a double win for Colombia, as the gold came from a Colombian-certified gold mine. Since then, all Nobel Peace Prize medals have been minted in Fairmined gold.
For several years, we supported a gold mine in Honduras while preparing to comply with Fairmined standards. Today, we offer Fairmined gold coins, medals, and numismatics plated with this gold. We have surpassed one million coins containing Fairmined gold, which adds up to many kilos of pure gold.
The Samlerhuset Group is not alone in its support for Fairmined. Undoubtedly, the most famous supporters are Chopard and Kering. Chopard produces the Palme d’Or, the main prize at the Cannes Film Festival, in Fairmined Gold. Kering is one of the leading jewellers in the world. Such events and products draw the world’s attention to the working conditions in gold mines.
More than a mine
So far, mines in Colombia, Peru, and Mongolia have Fairmined certificates. Many more from South America, Africa, and Asia are adapting to obtain the certificate. These mines are generally the largest employers in their regions and provide a livelihood for miners and their families. Fairmined-certified mines also actively help local communities.
The Peruvian mine Macdesa is a good example. When, in July 2015, a fire destroyed about 90 per cent of the houses of the town Centro Poblado menor Cuatro Horas, most of the inhabitants had to move to a nearby settlement. The mine helped those affected by the fire move and obtain food, water, tents, electric lighting, and health services. Another Peruvian mine, San Luis SA (MARTSAL), pays regular salaries to local teachers and health care workers. The mine also donates teaching aids and medical equipment and supports electrification. The Mongolian mine Shijir Khishig supports women’s empowerment, provides homes for homeless families and plants trees.
The Alliance for Responsible Mining reports cooperating with mines on three continents and that the desire for responsible gold is increasing worldwide. There is no doubt that together, we can improve the world. If you would like more information, you can visit the website.: http://www.fairmined.org/
