Questions and Answers Effect Of The Split Between Fair Labeling International And The Alliance For Responsible Mining
Editor’s note: This document, published below, was prepared by the Alliance for Responsible in collaboration with the Fair Labeling Organization to answer general questions about their split.
What is happening?
As a result of a partnership review process and taking into account feedback
received from both market and mining partners, Fairtrade International and the
Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM) have decided not to renew their existing
formal partnership, but to move to a more flexible model of co-operation.
The decision to end the partnership comes at the natural end of the three year pilot
project between ARM and Fairtrade International. We are proud of the
accomplishments we have achieved over this time but feel that moving forward we
can provide greater opportunities for miners by working independently.
Did ARM and Fairtrade International fall out?
No, together we have built a pioneering initiative that has resulted in positive
change for the artisanal and small scale mining sector. We consider ourselves
important allies working towards common goals, but going forward, our two
organizations hope that by working more independently, yet cooperating wherever
possible, we can make greater progress towards further improved terms of trade
for disadvantaged miners in the future.
The fundamental goals of the Fairtrade and the Fairmined systems remain focused
on continuing to improve working conditions, environmental standards and terms of
trade with ASM mining organizations and providing a growing sustainable source
of responsibly mined gold.
Will ARM and Fairtrade still promote fair gold?
Both ARM and Fairtrade International will continue to promote Fairmined gold and
Fairtrade Gold, only separately.
How will the change affect gold products in the future?
From 22 April, the formal partnership between Fairtrade International and The
Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM) will end, which means the dual label on
gold, silver and platinum will be phased out during 2013. From 22 April 2013, all
products made from certified gold, silver and platinum will be stamped with either
the Fairtrade or the Fairmined certification labels or both separately.
What does the end of the partnership mean for current certified miners?
To ensure that miners have continued access to markets and any impacts on their
operations are minimized, ARM and Fairtrade International have agreed to a
transition period throughout 2013. During this transition period already certified
mining groups will continue to be audited by Flo-Cert and their gold is eligible to be
traded either as Fairtrade gold or as Fairmined gold to ensure that they have
continued access to markets and any impacts on their operations are minimized.
As of 2014 miners are free to decide to participate in either the Fairmined or the
Fairtrade scheme or in both.
Will miners still be able to sell their gold with a premium?
Yes, miners will still receive a premium for gold sold as certified either Fairtrade or
Fairmined as per the existing trading terms. The premium shall be managed
through democratic and transparent decision making processes by the miners and
other participating stakeholders.
What about future certified miners?
Both Fairtrade International and ARM will support new groups to comply with the
standards relating to their individual label.
Will miners still follow equally high standards assuring customers that their
gold is responsible?
Yes, both the Fairtrade Gold standard and the Fairmined Gold standard will
continue to set rigorous requirements in terms of social and labor conditions and
environmental practices.
Will miners lose development opportunities?
No, separating out the labels will mean that miners will have greater opportunities
as new markets open up, permitting even more miners to benefit from participating
in responsible artisanal and small scale mining certification schemes.
Will both Fairtrade International and ARM continue to have a standard for
gold?
Yes, both organizations will continue working with their individual revised standards
for gold and associated precious metals.
What happens to the currently ongoing standard revision?
The current standards consultation will be continued independently by each
organization. ARM and Fairtrade International will share information on their
respective standards work in accordance with their plans and timelines.
If I am already a Fairtrade & Fairmined licensee what happens next?
Fairtrade International and ARM have agreed to a transition period throughout
2013. During this time existing licensees can continue to use the dual label and
any promotional material that they have produced with it. Licensees that are
registered will be approached by Fairtrade and ARM to update their licensee
agreements for use of the respective organizations labels. Each licensee is free to
work with either scheme or with both as they choose.
Will it still be possible to purchase Fairtrade & Fairmined gold and jewelry?
Existing stocks of products carrying the dual label Fairtrade & Fairmined will be on
sale until they are sold out. All certifiable newly produced gold and jewelry will be
eligible for labeling as either Fairmined or Fairtrade. At no point will there be an
interruption in the availability of certified labeled gold and jewelry.
How can I purchase Fairmined gold?
Please contact Kenneth Porter, Value Systems Coordinator in ARM at
kennethporter@communitymining.org.
How can I purchase Fairtrade gold?
UK busineses should contact the Fairtrade Foundation’s dedicated Customer
Services team gold@fairtrade.org.uk for more information or visit the website
www.fairtrade.org.uk/gold. International enquiries should be directed to
greg@gregvalerio.com, Co-ordinator for Fairtrade International’s gold programme.
I am a consumer of Fairtrade & Fairmined gold.
How will I be able to know what gold is responsible and safe to buy and will support responsible miners
in the future?
Gold certified as either Fairtrade or Fairmined will continue to provide assurance
that it has been mined responsibly, in full compliance with the respective standard,
reassuring the consumer that you are supporting miners who are committed to
responsible practices.
Will certified gold still provide full traceability from mine to market?
Fully traceable gold from mine to market will continue to be available for labeled
finished products.
I have more questions. Who should I contact?
Alliance for Responsible Mining:
Kenneth Porter, Value Systems Coordinator,
kennethporter@communitymining.org
For UK businesses- Fairtrade Foundation : Victoria Waugh, Fairtrade
Foundation Victoria.waugh@fairtrade.org.uk ;
