Íquira Cooperative is located in Huila, Colombia, between the Eastern and Central Andes mountain ranges. This multi-activity cooperative not only produces Fairmined-certified gold and cultivates coffee but also supports the well-being of its local community.
Photos by: Alliance for Responsible Mining
Twenty participants—including artisanal and small-scale miners from various regions of Colombia, geologists, representatives from the Swedish Embassy, the Colombian Mining Association, the Ministry of Mines, the National Mining Agency, and the Alliance for Responsible Mining—attended this exchange. The event was the result of a collaboration between MARS (More Responsible and Sustainable American Mining), NIR (Nordic Initiative for Responsible Mining), and ARM (Alliance for Responsible Mining). The goal was to show that artisanal and small-scale mining can be part of a sustainable economy and generate a positive social impact.
Discussions focused on technical knowledge, experiences in artisanal mining, challenges, and personal stories from sector actors, over XX million people in Colombia. Beyond connecting mining representatives across regions, we witnessed firsthand how, thanks to the Fairmined award, a mining organization can become a driver of social change. Here are some key takeaways.
1. Breaking stereotypes about mining
Rejecting artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) will not solve informal mining issues or reduce global mineral demand. By establishing a responsible mining standard like Fairmined, environmental impact is minimized, and fair conditions are ensured for miners. Certified miners receive an annual premium for their commitment, which funds social and environmental projects. Íquira’s decision to invest part of this award in social projects shows its positive role and commitment to its community.
Yaneth Liévano – Iquira Mining organization, and Eliana Aguirre – Alliance for Responsible Mining
2. Turning economic benefits into human impact
The Fairmined award recognizes good environmental, social, and labor practices. In Íquira, these funds supported “Corazones de Oro,” a center providing therapy to children with disabilities in Pacarní. Twelve children receive daily therapy sessions to help advance their physical and cognitive development, creating meaningful change for vulnerable individuals.
3. Committing to long-term impact
Efforts to implement lower-impact machinery, closed water circuits, conserve a natural reserve, and conduct ongoing water conservation awareness campaigns demonstrate Íquira’s dedication to educating its community on protecting natural resources. This shift in mindset is highly valuable for sustainable development.
4. Building community cohesion
When a mining cooperative directly supports local families, as Íquira does with housing programs for miners, trust strengthens. The cooperative is seen as an ally in shared causes. Support for the local eldercare center and donations of school supplies foster a culture of cooperation.
5. Setting an example for others
Íquira’s approach shows that mining organizations can use their resources to drive real social change. This example can inspire other operations in different regions, with varying needs and conditions, to follow a similar path or innovate in how they reinvest in their communities. We welcome them to the Fairmined family! Remember, you can buy gold from many sources, but gold with a positive social impact that empowers communities is only Fairmined-certified.
Want to learn more about ASM? Interested in joining the Fairmined family?
This visit to Íquira demonstrated how mining, when practiced responsibly and with a social vision, can serve as a bridge to inclusive development. Contact us at info@fairmined.org.
Fairmined-certified gold shines not only for its purity but for the opportunities it creates. Thanks to jewelers, brand ambassadors, and companies that are part of the Fairmined family—thanks to you, this change is possible!
