Cauca, Colombia
Isabela Wachsmuth visited the Chede mining organization, certified with the Fairmined fair mining standard, to learn about the responsible gold extraction process by small-scale miners in Colombia and integrate these processes into her jewelry project in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Engineer Alejandro and Isabela talking about the gold process
In a quest to discover the origins of her materials and promote responsible practices in the jewelry industry, Isabela Wachsmuth embarked on an adventurous journey to visit the certified Fairmined gold mine, El Chede, located in Cauca, Colombia, in a conflict zone (an area with tensions between armed groups).
During her visit in March 2023, she had the opportunity to witness firsthand the Fairmined artisanal and small-scale mining practices, which employ mercury-free extraction methods. Additionally, the miners receive the Fairmined premium: an annual bonus they use to materialize clean technologies projects, gender equality, and environmental preservation actions.
Isabela shared that her curiosity about the origin of the gold used in jewelry was awakened a few years ago, and this visit marked a significant milestone for her as it brought shed light to her jewelry project.
After years of planning and research, she finally decided to establish a business model that prioritizes traceability and ensures respect for human rights in creating her jewelry pieces. “Commitment to social and environmental responsibility in gold extraction is essential. I loved being able to see where the gold comes from and having that peace of mind about its origin. I feel that these mines have a purpose that aligns with the type of jewelry I want to create” she expressed.
Isabela acknowledged the significant challenges involved in achieving traceability of metals from remote corners of the world. However, she is determined to embark on this journey and spread the message of responsibility to as many people as possible.
“It’s incredible how in such a remote area, amidst informal mines, there are mines seeking to make a difference”shared at the end of her visit.
Chede mining organization miners.
The team at the Chede mining organization hopes that her visit will be one of many by actors in the gold industry who wish to support small-scale mining and social responsibility.
With a commitment to a sustainable future, companies in the gold industry that source Fairmined gold strive every day to bring the word “responsible” to life in their creations and inspire others to join this transformative movement.
ARM PROMOTES BETTER MINING PRACTICES IN BRAZIL THROUGH THE CRAFT CODE
The Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM), creators of the Fairmined initiative, is currently implementing a project in Brazil called “Traceability and Responsible Supply Chain in Brazilian Mining Cooperatives.” This project is funded by the OCB System, with the objective of promoting the cooperative model in Brazil. Through this project, ARM aims to strengthen the competitiveness and good practices of mining cooperatives under the OCB System, fostering the creation of responsible production chains within the framework of the CRAFT Code.
“We have been working for almost 20 years in various ASM contexts in Peru, Ecuador, Honduras, and Colombia, we understand the challenges of the small-scale mining sector. Therefore, in Brazil, we are promoting the CRAFT Code as a legitimate and internationally recognized tool to demonstrate compliance with Due Diligence, supported by the collective construction of policies in favor of human rights, prevention of social, environmental, and commercial risks, as well as the strengthening of internal control systems and traceability. We are optimistic about bringing a proposal from the Alliance for Responsible Mining to Brazil that aligns with the needs and expectations of the various actors involved directly and indirectly in ASM supply chains in the country,” said Cristian Arias, Supply Chain Manager at ARM and Project Coordinator for Brazil.
