It was announced recently that the Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International (FLO) and the Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM) have created a fair trade certification for gold. The goal of this certification is to develop a system that ensures that small-scale miners can earn a better price for their gold, which in turn will contribute to increased social, environmental and economic development in the communities where these mines exist. Additionally, the certification will give miners increased access to markets, and allow them to improve the technology and working conditions at their mining sites.
Over 100 million people worldwide depend on artisanal and small-scale mining. Many of these people are mired in unfair supply chains, and have great difficulty getting a fair price for the gold they mine.
Businesses can become certified to use the FAIRTRADE and FAIRMINED marks on certified gold products such as jewelry, commemorative coins, ingots, medals, trophies and religious artifacts.
FLO is the organization that coordinates Fair trade labeling at an international level. A key part of FLO’s role is to develop and review the Fair trade standards. FLO also helps producers to gain fair trade certification and develop market opportunities.
For more information on this historic news, please visit the Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International (FLO) at www.fairtrade.net.