The gold industry is implicated in some big problems. But real solutions are out there… if we want them.
MERCURY
THE PROBLEM: Most small-scale artisanal miners use toxic mercury to concentrate gold.
WHAT YOU CAN DO: Support efforts to help artisanal miners switch to a mercury-free alternative.
INDUSTRIAL GOLD MINING
THE PROBLEM: Environmental destruction is endemic to industrial scale gold mining around the world.
WHAT YOU CAN DO: Lend your voice to efforts trying to reform industrial mining.
EXPLOITATION AND INJUSTICE
THE PROBLEM: Miners in developing countries are often exploited and/or forced to mine for criminals and warlords.
WHAT YOU CAN DO: Support social justice researchers and advocates.
MURKY AND BROKEN SUPPLY CHAIN
THE PROBLEM: Most consumers don’t know where their gold comes from, so they risk buying gold linked to exploitation, war and/or environmental destruction.
WHAT YOU CAN DO: Support and buy from independently certified and responsibly mined sources or recycled gold.