RAPAPORT… The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) reported that it has launched its chain of custody certification for gold and platinum group metals. Meanwhile, stakeholder consultation continues in 2012 on further development of the standards that would apply to the diamond supply chain, the group said.
Starting in March 2012, RJC’s chain of custody certification for metals will be available to RJC members who wish to provide their customers and stakeholders with independent assurance about conflict-free, responsible sourcing for gold and platinum group metals, RJC stated.
RJC explained that the chain of custody certification was designed to support responsible mining practices; source legitimate recycled materials; identify the provenance of jewelry materials; avoid conflict resources implicated in human rights abuses, illegal or criminal practices; enhance reputation through responsible sourcing; carry out due diligence of the supply chain; respond to the requests of wholesale and retail customers; and support the implementation of the U.S. Dodd-Frank Conflict Minerals legislation and OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Minerals from Conflict-Affected Areas.
In December, RJC suspended finalizing its draft chain of custody guides for diamonds in order to seek additional input from the diamond industry.
RJC released its 2012 Annual Progress Report on Monday in which it stated that its membership grew 34 percent in 2011 with 342 companies signed up at the end of the year. The number of RJC certifications jumped from five at the beginning of the year to 120 by year-end as the first deadline for existing members approached. Certified members are those that have been independently audited against the RJC code of practices.