Published: March 6, 2020
~The Reality of Mining Development~
Gold is used as the base metal for jewelry.
Do you know how gold is mined?
According to research institutions, dangerous and illegal mining practices are currently taking place in mines in developing countries.
In developing countries, the "amalgam process" is commonly used to refine gold from ore. The amalgam process uses large amounts of mercury, which once caused Minamata disease, and because the work is carried out with minimal equipment and in a simple manner, it has adverse effects on human health.
In developing countries with 15 million workers in mines across 70 countries, many children and women work to support their families. As a result of mercury exposure, some children suffer from physical disabilities, and fetuses of pregnant women die shortly after birth.
Such dangerous labor is being performed for low wages, which raises ethical concerns.
What is Fairmind Gold?
The international non-profit organization ARM (Alliance Responsible Mining) was founded in 2004.
We are supporting market development by establishing standards to protect the human rights of mine workers, including improving working conditions, reducing the use of hazardous chemicals, and developing infrastructure.
Fairmind Gold is gold mined from mines certified by the international non-profit organization ARM. Fairmind certified minerals currently include "Fairmind Gold," "Fairmind Ecological Gold," and "Fairmind Silver." These are traded with a premium that covers additional costs such as those incurred by reducing the use of hazardous chemicals.
~Gold Criteria for Fairmind Gold Certification~
To certify all precious metals, including gold, mined by individual miners or small-scale mining organizations, as Fairmined, the following criteria apply:
Only gold that meets the above stringent standards is certified as "Fairmind Gold."
Furthermore, "Fairmind Ecological Gold" meets even stricter standards than those mentioned above. (For example, the gold is extracted without the use of any chemicals.)
Currently, certified mining organizations sell an average of 3.5 kg of gold per month.
For every kilogram of Fairmind Gold sold on the market, the certified mining organization can receive a $4,000 bonus.
By purchasing Fairmind Gold, you directly contribute to increasing the number of Fairmind-certified mines, protecting the natural environment in developing countries, reducing child labor, and supporting miners, their families, and local communities.
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