This article comes from Martin Rizzi, who has lived in Taxco, Mexico for decades, and worked closely with the artisanal women in support of their fair trade production.  I have visited him, seen his impressive projects, and listened to his accounts of fair-washing artisanal products.  I requested he submit an article documenting his experiences, which

Introductory Comment:  Last year, we worked hard to raise our opposition to ARM’s proposal to mass balance fairtrade gold.  Over 140 companies and individuals signed our petition.   We were most concerned about the fairtrade gold brand.  We wanted the fairtrade gold label when shown on a piece of jewelry to remain a real  assurance

With the value of precious metals near all-time highs, hard rock mining will continue to threaten sensitive environmental areas. We cannot expect much help from Congress. Senator Majority Leader Harry Reid is strongly supported by the mining lobby, and so long as he is in power, the 1872 mining act will remain the law of