Some brave and determined people are working to address the problems of the gold industry. They are our inspirations.
A WHISTLEBLOWER
One of the stories in The Shadow of Gold is of a whistleblower named Amjad Rihan who revealed that one of the world’s largest refineries was trading in conflict gold. Rihan paid a price for going public: he was forced into exile and lost his career. But if you are a potential gold industry whistleblower, Rihan would want you to know that he would do it all again. He reveals why in The Shadow of Gold and in this video from the Guardian.
CITIZENS OF MONTANA
Another story in The Shadow of Gold is of a citizens group in Montana, that fought to prevent gold exploration in the pristine wilderness surrounding Yellowstone Park. Their research convinced them that a gold mine tailings-pond disaster could destroy thousands of local tourist industry jobs. To find out what they achieved, visit the website of the Greater Yellowstone Coalition. Their story proves that mining companies don’t always get their way – even in Trump’s America.
INDIGENOUS ACTIVISTS
At the site of the Mount Polley mine disaster, The Shadow of Gold interviewed indigenous people who continue to lobby the BC government and the mining company – Imperial Metals – for complete restoration of their lands and watershed. To follow their progress, visit the websites of First Nations Women Advocating Responsible Mining and Mining Watch.
RESPONSIBLY SOURCED GOLD FROM THE CONGO
Perhaps the most inspiring story in The Shadow of Gold is of Kahambu Vaharenie – a Congolese mother and farmer whose village was terrorized by rebel forces. She escaped, survived and when the conflict receded, she returned to her region to mine for gold. Her goal is to give her children a better life. She and her small team of women miners have become among the first in Congo to have their conflict-free and traceable gold sold to international jewellers. To find out what that means to her… you’ll need to watch The Shadow of Gold.