THE BIGGEST POSITIVE IMPACT: COMMUNITY MINING
Artisanal and small-scale mining employs 90% of the workforce behind gold extraction and is responsible for 10% of global production.
There are APPROXIMATELY 20 MILLION artisanal gold MINERS worldwide.
OVER 150 MILLION PEOPLE, miners and their families, depend on artisanal and small-scale mining to make a living.
Artisanal and small-scale mining is largely a poverty driven activity. However, some mining operations see mining as the best way to strengthen their communities, and are looking to lead the way in responsible mining practices.
With the right support and incentives small community mining organizations offer the greatest opportunity for positive social and environmental impact.
©Lise Remon
MOMENTUM TOWARDS RESPONSIBLE MINING
The issues in mining for gold and other precious minerals have been widely reported and discussed:
- Fueling conflict
- Child labor
- Environmental destruction
- Irresponsible mercury use
- Health and safety of workers
- Gender inequality
- Economic exploitation
- Impact on communities
There is an increase in legislation and wider awareness in media and consumers. There aren’t easy answers to these complex issues, and change is unlikely to happen overnight.
However there is a growing voice for change from inside the industry and a desire to have a supply chain to be proud of.
©ARM
Reasons to be Proud
Empowered communities:
Fairmined partners exclusively with artisanal and small-scale mining organizations who have shown passion for and commitment to responsible mining.
Positive transformation:
Fairmined transforms mining into an active force for good, ensuring organizational and social development and environmental protection.
Real assurance:
Fairmined is backed by a rigorous 3rd party certification and audit system that ensures that miners meet world-leading standards for responsible practices.
