PHOTO: CASA COLLAB
By: Olga Rojas, Communications Officer – Alliance for Responsible Mining
The Tauro Fátima Miners Association(AMATAF), Madre de Dios – Peru, marks a milestone by completing the first sale of Fairmined certified gold to three renowned jewelry stores in Peru: Imelda de val, Casa Collab and Sissai.
This significant achievement follows AMATAF’s recent recognition as the first artisanal mining association in the Peruvian Amazon to obtain Fairmined certification. The project to bring AMATAF into compliance with the standard requirements was developed in collaboration with Pure Earth, the Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM) with the support of Brilliant Earth, leader in ethical jewelery.
Miners OF AMATAF. Amazon, Perú
The dedication and commitment of the miners from AMATAF – Linda 2, El Príncipe Azul 1, Fátima, and Abel 3 – have played a pivotal role in this achievement. Collaborating with Pure Earth, ARM, and Brilliant Earth, they have showcased that it is possible to extract gold safely and sustainably without the use of mercury.
This inaugural Fairmined gold sale not only marks a triumph for AMATAF but also opens the door to the first certified Fairmined gold supply chain in the Amazon region.
“The certification process was challenging, but achieving it fills the mining communities with motivation. Now, with Fairmined certification, they can bring their gold to fair markets. We invite miners in the region to follow in the footsteps of AMATAF; it is truly possible,” expressed Víctor Hugo Pachas, Andean Region Manager at the Alliance for Responsible Mining.
Fairmined certification is a testament to the positive impact that responsible mining practices can have on both the environment and the communities that depend on mining activities.
This achievement not only benefits the development of the local community but also contributes to the health and preservation of the environment in this Amazonian region. Since 2019, these organizations have been implementing measures to minimize environmental impacts, such as using a gravimetric table in their mercury-free gold extraction process and reforesting 8.4 hectares with the support of Pure Earth. Linda 2 is also implementing a nursery to continue this reforestation process.
Picture of Madre de Dios by ARM’s team.
Consumer demand for ethical materials and support from brands such as Brilliant Earth, Imelda de Val, Sissai, and Casa Collab provide the necessary impetus for artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) communities to invest in sustainable practices.
Since 2014, Fairmined certification has successfully brought 1.7 tons of certified gold to fair markets, empowering over 3,000 miners from certified mining organizations. These organizations have received over 7 million dollars in Fairmined premium as an incentive to continue investing in technical improvements, aligning their operations with the highest requirements of the Fairmined standard, and promoting social development.
To join the initiative of transforming ASGM contact us now.
