The Iquira mining organization, located in Huila, Colombia, was recognized for its commitment to responsible gold mining. The organization obtained for the sixth consecutive year the certification with the Fairmined standard. Andres Ortega, Integral Manager for ASM organizations at the Alliance for Responsible Mining, granted the award to Yor Ledy Zuñiga, Manager of the Iquira mining organization, at the headquarters of the cooperative. This award is in recognition of their perseverance and effort to maintain the Fairmined standard, applying the best mining extraction practices.
The mining organization of Iquira has been characterized by its commitment to the Fairmined certification, and by complying with the progressive requirements that the standard demands year after year. In addition, its gold has been used in the making of iconic pieces such as the 2015 Nobel peace prize, the 2021 Cannes festival gold palm, and the Laurel trophy of the Olympic games since 2016.
Yor Ledy Zuñiga appreciated and thanked ARM for its support in making the annual recertification possible, and reiterated the cooperative’s commitment to the development of the Pacarní community, and the permanent improvements in the mines and plants from the Iquira region.
“It is very gratifying to be recognized for the work of the entire group of mining associates. The most important thing about receiving this tribute is to see that the effort has paid off. This recognition should be a reminder of what our cooperative is like, our commitment to achieve objectives, to improve ourselves and offer gold obtained without putting the environment at risk, and guaranteeing optimal conditions for our miners.
Now we have contracts with formal clients in the market, Fairmined allowed us to enter this market, and we have performed very well. Our challenge is to maintain this and have the Fairmined premium for our investments and our community” Yor Ledy pointed out after receiving the award”.
"This recognition is a reminder of what our cooperative is like and our commitment to improve ourselves"
Yor Ledy Zuñiga
Manager of Iquira Mining Organization
