An in-depth look at what we do and how
Our approach
EXTRACTION
We focus on extracting in the most environment friendly fashion but we also focus on other aspects :
- Shutting down illegal and unregulated mines
- Choosing environmentally friendly general mining processes
- Implementing recently discovered green mining technologies
- Cleaning up the sites of shut-down mines
- Reevaluating Cut-off Grades
- Research and Development of Green Mining Technology
DISTRIBUTION
The FairTrade Mining approach seeks to work with ASM communities to break out of the vicious circle of poverty, economic exploitation and ecological devastation that is systemic in all forms of mineral extraction.
The guiding principles or values of FairTrade Mining are opportunity, access, equality, ownership and dignity.
Impact
ENVIRONMENT IMPACT
As minerals are essential for human well-being and economical growth, it is essential that we treat the earth that provides those minerals with respect and insure our planet’s future.
As stated in the UNDP sourcebook, « Mining can also contribute to sustainable development, particularly to its economic dimension. It can bring fiscal revenues to a country, drive economic growth, create jobs and contribute to infrastructure building. »
The mining goals set by the UN’s SDG:
- Clean water and sanitation
- Affordable clean energy
DISTRIBUTION
Countries and communities, often don’t benefit from all that mining can offer like job offers or business development.
FairTrade Mining is specifically focussed on marginalised communities, as these are the communities who are denied a fair access to markets. It is not a process looking to work with large scale transnational mining conglomerates as these constructs already have an unfair advantage.
The mining goals set by the UN’s SDG:
- No poverty
- Gender equality
- Reduced inequalities
- Peace
- Economic growth
Opportunity
Every community should have the opportunity to grow and flourish. Poverty prevents communities from growing, as the vulnerability of subsistence living limits opportunities in every area of life. FairTrade Mining is specifically focussed on marginalised communities, as these are the communities who are denied a fair access to markets. It is not a process looking to work with large scale transnational mining conglomerates as these constructs already have an unfair advantage.
Access to markets
Sustainable wealth creation is at the foundation of every successful community. Everyone has the right to work in a safe and secure way, and this requires there being enough money for everyone’s to have what is needed for a fulfilled livelihood. We know that at the root of poverty is economic exploitation and limited access to open and fair markets. FairTrade Mining works to give communities access, in a fair and transparent way, to international markets as well as legal and fair local markets. With a proven track record of connecting ASM communities to international markets
Equality
Everyone who works in mining should be treated equally. However as we know this isn’t the case. Women and children are especially vulnerable to inequality, whether in the work place or in the businesses and organisations that take decisions. FairTrade Mining seeks to strengthen the human and social capacity of groups, so that everyone is represented and empowered to make decisions for the benefit of the entire community.
Ownership
Mining is a profoundly unjust practice. Large scale mining corporations seek to own land to then be exploited for profit, more often than not at the direct expense of local artisan mining communities. This practice of displacement is unjust. By working with ASM communities to legalise their practices, gain land rights and the mineral rights to the land they belong to, helps to prevent corporate exploitation and displacement.