Juliaca, Peru – On April 11, 2023, miners from the Puno region gathered to participate in a consultation session on the Fairmined 3.0 standard. 15 miners from certified mining organizations CECOMIP, Cruz Pata, and Oro Puno attended the workshop.
The Fairmined certification is a global leader in its ability to positively impact miners and their communities. Since 2009, the Fairmined standard has undergone revisions with a broad network of allies to develop a collective vision and requirements for responsible Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining. On April 11, 2023, it was Peru’s turn. A group of miners from certified mining organizations, including Oro Puno, Cecomip, and Cruz Pata, gathered to exchange experiences and validate the current proposal for the Fairmined 3.0 standard.
Ruth Esther Arpasi – Technical Coordinator at Alliance for Responsible Mining
Participants shared their knowledge and understanding of Fairmined and its impact. Rony Molina Zúñiga from CECOMIP, stated, “We are committed to social responsibility.” His organization has partnered with the Local Educational Management Unit of San Antonio de Putina, providing funds and physical spaces for miners to pursue education. They have successfully supported members of their mining organization in completing their high school studies.
Miners highlighted that Fairmined is “unique, accessible, and public – anyone can see what certified Fairmined miners do.” For them, maintaining the standard involves a commitment and level that goes beyond national regulations. Although their efforts and compliance with Fairmined requirements are recognized and valued internationally, they continue their work to promote excellence in small-scale mining within their own country.
During the consultation workshop, miners were able to express their impressions and expectations regarding Fairmined certification. They emphasized the environmental and community responsibility it entails and the ease of accessing international markets with fair prices. They also mentioned the Fairmined Premium, which allows them to realize improvements in their mining operations, gender equity projects, and entrepreneurship. They even aspire to establish their own gold refinery.
Engineer kitzinger Olivari Quispe Rios – member of the mining organization CECOMIP
The consultation workshop for the 3.0 standard provided a platform to listen to miners’ voices and understand their needs, and expectations in strengthening Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining. The Alliance for Responsible Mining aims to foster responsible mining in the Puno region through these connections among certified miners, guiding local organizations and communities toward long-term economic sustainability, empowerment, and resource protection.
All concerns and ideas from this session will be included in the definition of the fairmined 3.0 standard that will be published on the Fairmined initiative website.
For more information write us at: info@responsiblemines.org
