RAPAPORT…
The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) opened public comment through June 2, 2012 for its proposal to formally recognize the ”Fairtrade Fairmined Standard” as a responsible mining standard under the group’s chain-of-custody standards.
The Fairtrade and Fairmined standards contribute to the formalization and democratization of artisanal and small-scale gold mining, RJC stated, in addition to bringing additional market access to certified artisanal and small-scale producers. RJC’s chain-of-custody certified refiners will be able to source from Fairtrade and Fairmined certified small-scale gold producers, contributing to the integration of artisanal and small-scale miners into the formal economy.
Those interested in commenting may download the comparability report for Fairtrade and Fairmined Standard for Gold From Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining, and then send remarks to consultation-at-responsiblejewellery.com before the deadline.