Photo by: Tahlia Doyle
The Alliance for Responsible Mining, the organization behind the Fairmined initiative, and the Jewelry and Metalsmithing Design Department at NSCAD University (Nova Scotia College of Art and Design), have established an innovative agreement to promote ethical and sustainable practices in the gold supply chain. Through this collaboration, NSCAD University becomes the first institution to obtain a Fairmined Institutional License, allowing its students to use certified Fairmined metals in their jewelry projects.
Photo by Stefano Guindani
Fairmined is a global certification that ensures responsible artisanal and small-scale mining practices: promotes fair wages, safe working conditions for miners, and environmentally responsible practices. In addition to certified mining organizations, the Fairmined initiative also grants licenses for the marketing of this responsible gold to authorized suppliers and jewelry brands, technology companies, or manufacturers that source with Fairmined-certified gold. Now, educational institutions can obtain licenses to use Fairmined gold, supporting the mission of the Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM) to empower miners to adopt better practices and promote environmentally and economically fair supply chains.
Gina D’Amato, Executive Director of ARM, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating: “This collaboration signifies a crucial step towards fostering responsible mining practices in the education sector. NSCAD University’s commitment to Fairmined aligns with our goal of positively impacting the gold supply chain.”
Photo courtesy of NSCAD University
Led by Professor Greg Sims, the Jewelry and Metalsmithing Design Department will integrate the use of Fairmined gold into its curriculum, providing students with the opportunity to work with ethically sourced materials. This allows students to understand the gold supply chain and the challenges and opportunities for social impact in small-scale mining. The partnership emphasizes the importance of transparency and traceability in the jewelry manufacturing process.
Through this initiative, NSCAD University enables students to make a positive contribution to Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) and becomes a leader in training informed professionals aware of the social and environmental impact of material choices.
This collaboration reflects its commitment to social and environmental responsibility, providing students with a unique and ethical perspective in their creative processes. NSCAD University opens the door for the new generation of jewelry designers who are conscious of the importance of responsible mineral sourcing and ethical practices in the jewelry industry.
For more information or to engage your university in this new agreement, contact us.
