'Fair Trade' certification seems to be the best way to
guarantee a fair deal for people struggling with poverty. Following on from the success of
higher-profile Fair Trade schemes for the likes of coffee and banana growers,
Cred has partnered with the Association for Responsible Mining to pioneer
Fair Trade Gold, Platinum & Silver around the world.
The mining industry is an example of all that can be bad
about international trade: exploitation of workers, disintegration of
communities, loss of land rights, and environmental devastation. Since the mining industry is the world’s
third largest employer, the scale & breadth of these problems seems to be
International Trade’s best-kept secret.
The plight of those involved with ‘Blood Diamonds’ is just the tip of a
very large and toxic iceberg.
The Association of Responsible Mining works globally –
currently in Peru, Bolivia, Colombia & Tanzania - to encourage miners to
work in co-operatives, and to work to independently certified standards. This not only means that metals are of the
highest quality, but that they are produced with respect for individuals, communities,
and the environment.
The process for gaining a Fair Trade mark (as given by the
Fair Trade Labelling Organisation) is a lengthy one, but is due to arrive
imminently. In the meantime ARM
co-operatives are providing certified gold, platinum & silver that meets
all the criteria for ‘Fair Trade’.
Cred is a founder member of ARM, and funds various aspects
of its work, including communications and research, factors that are vital to
its success.
If you would like to
donate to ARM’s Fair Trade mining co-operatives and enable thousands of people
around the world to get a fairer deal, please donate here.
