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A proactive force for good, changing the world one gram at a time
Artisanal and small-scale mined (ASM) gold is extracted by miners who aren't officially employed by mining companies but work independently, using their own resources. Often, these miners form alliances in the shape of small enterprises or cooperatives.
Here at Lebrusan Studio, we offer ASM gold that can be traced right back to its cooperative of origin to anyone seeking an ethical engagement ring, wedding band or unique bespoke commission. To help us ensure that this gold has been mined safely and traded fairly, we currently use the Fairtrade Gold and Fairmined Gold certification schemes. Here, we explore the socioeconomic benefits of choosing a certified artisanal gold over untraceable 'industry standard' gold, and the backgrounds of each certification initiative.
90% of the world's gold miners work in artisanal and small-scale (ASM) mines, with an estimated 100 million people across the globe relying on small-scale mining to support their families and communities. These gold mines can be hazardous places and ASM miners are often exploited by middle men, earning barely enough to get by. They lead back-breaking, precarious lifestyles.
We recognise the legitimacy of ASM mining as a livelihood. We know that when managed responsibly, ASM gold has the power fortify community foundations, feed families, provide employment opportunities and educate the world. To ensure the benefit of our jewellery is felt throughout the supply chain - not just by the few at the top - we offer Fairtrade Gold and Fairmined Gold.
Developed by the Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM), Fairmined is an assurance label that certifies gold from empowered ASM operations. Thanks to the Fairmined Standard of responsible practise we can rest assured that we're supporting mines which are responsibly managed, with safe working conditions, fair wages and trade prices, direct access to international markets and responsible supply chains guaranteed.
Fairmined provides training to candidates for Fairmined-certified mining operations, covering areas like health, safety and the environment. With this grassroots approach, Fairmined encourages positive change from the ground up, ensuring its impact is sustainable in the long-term.
Fairmined Gold is sold to the market with a premium, which enables market players like us to contribute directly to ASM operations and their communities, covering the costs of the certification and investing financially in environmental protection and socioeconomic development.
Helping to pioneer the initiative in 2012, Lebrusan Studio was specially selected as one of the world's first ever Fairtrade Gold licensees.
All Fairtrade Gold comes from mines which meet the rigorous Fairtrade Gold Standard of working conditions, health and safety, handling chemicals, women's rights, child labour and environmental protection. A globally recognised marker, Fairtrade Gold grants small-scale miners a fair deal for their hard work and allocates dedicated funding and support for the future of the miners' families and communities, through education, medical care and environmental projects.
