What is Fairtrade gold ?

What is Fairtrade gold and why is it important?

Fairtrade gold is a sustainable and responsible alternative to conventionally mined gold. It is mined in small, certified mines that fulfil the Fairtrade Gold Standard. This standard ensures that workers operate in safe conditions and are paid fairly, while at the same time complying with environmental standards.

Challenges in traditional gold mining

Traditional gold mining often requires a lot of labour and is poorly regulated in many regions. This leads to serious problems for workers and the environment:

• Hazardous working conditions: Miners are often exposed to hazardous chemicals such as mercury or cyanide, which are used to refine gold. These substances are not only toxic, but can also cause long-term health problems.
• Working in extreme conditions: In many mines, tunnels are extremely narrow, which means that child labour also occurs as smaller individuals can fit into these dangerous areas.
• Unfair pay: Miners are often paid very little for their hard work in extremely dangerous conditions, which severely affects their quality of life.

Why is Fairtrade gold the better choice?

Fairtrade gold offers a solution to these problems by ensuring that workers operate under safe, fair, and sustainable conditions. There are numerous benefits that this gold brings to both workers and the environment:

Benefits of Fairtrade gold

• Fair payment: Fairtrade guarantees a minimum price for the gold, ensuring that miners receive fair remuneration for their labour. This helps to reduce poverty in the affected regions.
• Safety standards: Certified mines must guarantee safe working conditions and provide appropriate protective measures and equipment. This protects the health of workers and reduces the risk of accidents.
• Environmental protection: Fairtrade gold is mined without the use of harmful chemicals such as mercury and cyanide. This protects the environment and preserves soil and water quality.
• Regular audits: To ensure that all Fairtrade standards are met, the mines undergo regular audits by FLOCERT, an independent certification organisation. This ensures that the mines comply with the Fairtrade Gold Standard requirements.

But what about recycled gold? Find out more in the article about recycled gold vs. fairtrade gold.

How does Fairtrade support miners and their communities?

The purchase of Fairtrade gold not only promotes economic stability for miners but also strengthens their communities:

• Promoting community projects: A portion of the proceeds from Fairtrade gold sales goes towards community projects, such as the expansion of education and health services. This contributes to the long-term improvement of living conditions in mining communities.
• Protection against discrimination: Fairtrade gives miners the opportunity to defend themselves against discrimination and exploitative labour practices. They receive the tools and support needed to assert their rights and demand better working conditions.

Conclusion: Fairtrade gold for a better future

By choosing Fairtrade gold, you are not only helping to protect the environment, but also to improve the living conditions of miners. You support fair pay, safe working conditions, and sustainable practices in gold mining.

By opting for Fairtrade gold, you are making an ethical and sustainable choice that benefits both people and the planet.