FORGING AN EXCLUSIVE ALLIANCE FOR FAIRMINED GOLD PLATING SOLUTIONS
Jaime Valderrama, Sustainable Markets Professional from the Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM), recently interviewed Andrés Castellanos from Fairalloy and Dean Johnston from D&M Jewellery Finishers to get to know the details of their strategic partnership and the use of an innovative product: GPC, gold for making coatings with Fairmined Certification. This alliance, built on principles of ethical mining and responsible sourcing, marks a significant shift in the jewelry industry landscape.
FORGING A NEW PATH
Upon returning from his visit to the Fairmined-certified gold mines in Puno, Peru, Andrés Castellanos, CEO of Fairalloy, pondered on how to bring responsible Fairmined gold to every corner of the world. This led him to kickstart the product development process and forge an ideal partnership with the Dean and Mark Johnston’s brothers, known for their perpetual attraction to innovation.
“We completed our formalities and shipped our first GPC production to the UK, traceable all the way from the mine. —an unprecedented milestone.” -Andres Castellanos FairAlloy CEO
This partnership is not just about business but about fostering a shared vision of ethical sourcing and responsible mining practices in the jewelry sector.
COMMITMENT TO ETHICAL EXCELLENCE
Gold Potassium Cyanide (GCP) became the core of this partnership, a chemical compound sourced exclusively from Fairmined certified gold a component that gives a gold finish to any piece, with the social impact and environmental preservation that the Fairmined seal guarantees.
The GPC has characteristics such as conductivity, corrosion resistance, exceptional quality and durability, and a variety of colors, which were key characteristics for Dean to decide to try it. To this day it has colors such as Gold Au, Rose Gold Au and Black Gold Au, all certified Fairmined to offer to its customers.
Gold Potassium Cyanide (GCP) Final Product
D&M x Fairmined x Alloy Facilities
While the GPC market often sacrifices traceability for cost efficiency, Fairalloy prioritizes complete traceability, ensuring ethical practices without compromising quality.
The process of obtaining Fairmined GPC involves securing gold supply from a Fairmined certified mine, for this pilot the mine was Iquira, a source of gold known for its contributions to the Nobel Peace Prize.
Iquira has been a certified mine under the Fairmined standard since 2014, with 96 associated miners and 20 female miners.
The Fairmined Award has allowed them to implement clean technologies, improve their mining practices, and invest in the well-being of their communities through elderly care centers and municipal schools. Additionally, they have established miner brigades that ensure the protection of water, wildlife, and flora in the area. Their mining activity takes place in Huila, Colombia, where they also cultivate coffee, plantains, beans and yucca. They are a proud community on the path of responsible mining and serve as an example in the country.
Upon coordination with the mine, the gold undergoes manufacturing and refining procedures in Fairalloy, and finally, plating jewelry items are with the Fairmined GPC solution at D&M Jewellery Finishers. This process reflects the commitment of both companies to ethical excellence and commitment with the construction of a fairer jewelry industry.
INNOVATING FOR SUSTAINABILITY
Both companies are dedicated to innovation and sustainability in their product offerings. Fairalloy specializes in addition to Gold Potassium Cyanide production, in a diverse range of gold and silver products, all sourced from Fairmined-certified minerals.
D&M, on the other hand, offers unique products and finishes in Fairmined Gold and Fairmined Silver, catering to the evolving preferences of consumers who prioritize ethical sourcing. This innovation is not just about creating marketable products but about driving positive change in the industry.
IMPACT AND FUTURE VISION
The impact of this partnership extends beyond business metrics. Dean Johnston highlighted the transformative experiences they’ve had, particularly in keeping mining communities safe and ensuring responsible working conditions. This commitment to ethical sourcing resonates with customers who value transparency and sustainability in their jewelry purchases.
Jeweler Visit to Fairalloy Facilities 2023
Notable successes born from their collaboration include a pivotal moment when the London Mint office, led by Greg Prosser during his tenure as CEO of Samlerhuset, defied the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Despite the global pandemic, the London Mint Office boldly introduced Fairmined Gold Plating. Their ongoing campaign on the Coronation of the King, featuring Fairmined Gold, stands as a testament to their dedication and the success of Fairmined Gold Plating. Another example of success includes Alex Monroe became licensed for Fairmined Gold and decided to put all of his current Jewellery ranges into Fairmined Alex Monroe has huge volumes plated in Fairmined Gold, and it’s a success story just getting bigger.
Products Made With GCP Gold
Looking ahead, both Fairalloy and D&M envision a future where ethical sourcing is not just a niche market but a standard practice in the jewelry industry. This vision is supported by initiatives like Fairmined, which promote responsible mining and traceability throughout the supply chain.
The partnership between Fairalloy and D&M Jewellery Finishers exemplifies the possibilities that arise when ethics and innovation converge in the jewelry sector. As consumers increasingly demand transparency and sustainability, collaborations like this pave the way for a more responsible and ethical industry landscape.
“A special tribute goes out to the sustainability heroes Dean and Mark of D&M, Ole Bjørn Fausa of Samlerhuset, Greg Prosser of the London mint, Alex Monroe, and more individuals and companies who, fuelled by a visionary commitment to change, boldly challenge the prevailing norms of recycled gold. They swim against the current, leading discussions and articulating the critical importance of traceability. Without these visionary efforts, such transformative initiatives would remain elusive.”
