| Pebble mine threatens Bristol Bay -- and Signet Jewelers is not stepping up to help
August 25, 2010. The Pebble mine planned for the headwaters of Bristol Bay in Alaska would destroy some of the most productive salmon habitat in the world and harm the communities that rely on that salmon for food and jobs.
Jewelry company Signet (Kay and Jared Jewelers) needs to help protect those communities. But the company is refusing to lend its support to protecting Bristol Bay from the Pebble mine. A number of leading jewelry companies have signed the Bristol Bay Protection Pledge. Please tell Signet to sign it (the Pledge) too!
For more information see:
Gold mine threatens Costa Rican Biosphere Reserve
July 26, 2010. The planned Crucitas mine of Infinito Gold would put an open-pit gold mine in a Biosphere Reserve and threaten Endangered species like Geoffrey's spider monkey and Great Green Macaws. The mine could contaminate community water and the San Juan river on the border with Nicaragua. Communities in Costa Rica are asking us to help convince their new President to stop the project. Please write to President Chincilla to ask her to stop the mine!
Read more on Earthblog and:
New bill to bring more accountability to mining
July 16, 2010. Yesterday Congress passed the Financial Reform Act that includes measures to break the connection of drilling and mining with corruption and conflict. The bill will bring needed transparency to the dealings of foreign mining companies. It also will give jewelers a new tool in asserting they are sourcing responsibly and avoiding "blood gold."
The bill requires publicly-listed companies to report to the Securities and Exchange Commission if their gold comes from the Congo basin or not, and provide evidence of an accurate audit of the metal's connection to armed groups there. Whether or not a company is required to report to the SEC already, this provision will provide jewelers with an additional tool to determine if they get gold from the Congo basin and if it is conflict-linked. We certainly hope that the regulations will promptly facilitate this with measures to ensure accurate audits.
Read more on Earthblog and see:
Just in time for Mother's Day -- 70 jewelers have pledged to not use dirty gold
May 7, 2010. Just days before Mother's Day, four additional jewelry companies have announced their concern over destructive gold mining. Robbins Brothers, Meghan Connolly Haupt, D.NEA, and Bario Neal have added their names to the list of Golden Rules jewelers and declared their support for responsible jewelry production.
Mother's Day is one of the top jewelry-giving holidays of the year, and jewelers are increasingly realizing that jewelry customers don't want jewelry that comes at the expense of communities, workers, and the environment.
Zales and Other Jewelers Boost Effort to Protect Alaska's Bristol Bay
April 13, 2010. A wave of additional jewelry retailers, including the country's largest jewelry chain, Zales, have pledged their support for protecting the Bristol Bay watershed from the proposed Pebble mine and any large-scale metals mining.
These jewelers join several others who have stated their opposition to the Pebble mine, the massive gold and copper mine proposed for the headwaters of Bristol Bay. The mine proposal threatens the world's largest remaining wild sockeye salmon fishery and the communities and livelihoods that depend on it.
Read more about this on the Earthblog.
Leading Jewelers Act on Pledge to Shun Dirty Gold
 March 31, 2010. Dozens of the nation's leading jewelry retailers are taking innovative steps to provide consumers with gold jewelry made in a more environmentally and socially responsible way.
TarnishedGold: Assessing the Jewelry Industry's Progress on Ethical Sourcing of Metals evaluates progress jewelers have made in pursuit of cleaner sources of precious metals -- and finds signs of hope as well as shortfalls.
This updated version of the report includes new information shared with us by jewelry companies.
For more information:
Responsible small-scale gold mining?
February 2010. Similar to large-scale mining, small-scale gold mining can come at the expense of communities and the environment. What does more responsible small-scale gold mining look like and what initiatives are working on best practices for that mining? To answer those questions, No Dirty Gold compared the standards being adopted by a number of projects looking to be responsible.
None of the initiatives that the No Dirty Gold report "The Quest for Responsible Small-scale Gold Mining" compared is adopting truly responsible practices for all standards so far. But some have advanced important standards. There is room for improvement in all of the initiatives.
Newmont Mining fined for cyanide spill in Ghana
January 2010 -- Ghanaian authorities are fining Denver-based Newmont Mining millions of dollars for negligently spilling cyanide at its Ahafo gold mine in October 2009, resulting in water contamination and fish kills. A Ghanaian Ministerial Panel that evaluated the spill and its aftermath recommended that the company be fined US$ 4.9 million for failing to prevent the spill or to properly report on and investigate the spill.
For more information:
Industry self-certification system falls short
December 2009 -- A mining and jewelry industry trade association -- the Responsible Jewellery Council -- launched its certification scheme this week. The RJC is comprised of mining and jewelry companies -- the very entities the certification scheme would govern.
Unfortunately, RJC's system primarily serves to illustrate the need for independent, third-party monitoring.
Fortunately, an effort to develop truly independent monitoring and certification is underway: the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) -- a multi-sector initiative involving representatives from jewelry and mining industries, NGOs, trade unions and mining affected communities.
For more information:
60 Minutes reveals:
Dirty gold fuels unending war in Congo
TAKE ACTION: Tell Target, TJ Maxx and Harry Winston to commit to the Golden Rules of Responsible Mining -- and work to put an end to dirty gold.
Learn more about how EARTHWORKS, through the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance, is working with jewelry retailers and mining companies to try to establish meaningful, independently certified, standards to eliminate dirty gold.
Sears/Kmart join other major jewelers
in pledging to avoid "dirty" gold
November 2009. Three major jewelry retailers today announced their decision to shun irresponsible gold mining and seek cleaner sources of gold and precious metals. Sears Holdings (parent company of Sears and Kmart), Ultra Stores, and Blue Nile all signed the No Dirty Gold campaign's Golden Rules for responsible sourcing of precious metals, bringing the total number of jewelry retail signatories up to 60. These jewelry retailers include 7 of the top 10 jewelry retail firms in the United States, and represent over $1.3 billion in annual US jewelry sales, or nearly a quarter of total sales.
Jeweler Opposition to Pebble Mine Gains Momentum
September 2009. A wave of new jewelers representing $1 billion in sales has pledged support for protecting Alaska's Bristol Bay watershed from large-scale metals mining like the controversial Pebble project. This additional support comes from Herff-Jones, Commemorative Brands, Birks and Mayors, and Hacker Jewelers.
These jewelers join several others who have vowed to not buy gold from the Pebble mine, the massive gold and copper mine proposed for the headwaters of Bristol Bay. The mine proposal threatens the world's largest remaining wild sockeye salmon fishery and the communities and livelihoods that depend on it.
Marco Arana honored by TIME Magazine
September 2009. No Dirty Gold congratulates Father Marco Arana for being named one of TIME's environmental heroes for his opposition to irresponsible mining in Northern Peru. For more about his struggles, see our page on community support for Cajamarca.
Leading UK Jewelers Say *No* to Dirty Gold from Alaska Mine
April 2009. Six prestigious UK jewelry retailers and designers representing 260 stores today pledged their support for Bristol Bay, Alaska. They announced they won't buy gold from Anglo American's proposed "Pebble" mine -- a massive open-pit operation being considered in the bay's headwaters.
The Bristol Bay watershed supports the world's most productive wild sockeye salmon fishery, which is critical to the state's economy and to the livelihoods of many Alaska Native communities. The UK is the largest consumer of Bristol Bay canned sockeye salmon.
TIME Notes Push for Responsible Jewelry, Features No Dirty Gold and Golden Rules retailers
April 2009. TIME Magazine this month covered jewelers' efforts to develop responsible jewelry for consumers who are increasingly aware of the impacts of gold mining. The "New Gold Standard" article discusses the likes of Toby Pomeroy and the great work No Dirty Gold has done to move the industry on the path towards responsible sourcing of precious metals.
No Dirty Gold signs up 50th jewelry retailer!
Campaign celebrates its fifth anniversary
February 2009. Just days before its 5th anniversary on Valentine's Day, the No Dirty Gold campaign signed up its 50th signatory to the Golden Rules for more responsible sourcing of precious metals. The retailers, representing 23% of the US jewelry market, have pledged to source metals that were produced in accordance with the human rights, social, and environmental criteria of the Golden Rules.
Gold mining remains one of the dirtiest industries in the world, and jewelry retailers and consumers are increasingly concerned. Gold mining is still linked to violent conflict, people being displaced from their lands and livelihoods, and waterways poisoned with toxic chemicals.
Read the 50 retailer signatories press release
Read the factsheet on the jewelry and gold mining industries
Read statements by retail leaders and see the full list of Golden Rules signatories.
Norwegian Pension Fund Dumps Barrick Gold --
Mt. Tenabo one of many controversial operations
January 2009. The Norwegian government's Pension Fund has sold its shares in Canadian miner Barrick Gold, citing "extensive and irreversible damage to the natural environment" at its operations in Porgera, Papua New Guinea. The company dumps mine waste directly into a river at Porgera, a practice that the Fund's Ethics Council judged irresponsible.
Barrick is also behind the planned mine at Mt. Tenabo in Nevada, where the mine would threaten sacred Western Shoshone gravesites, ritual grounds, and area water sources. A lawsuit seeking an injunction to stop Barrick Gold from mining Mt. Tenabo in Nevada was rejected by a federal judge on the 26th, but the judge recognized that diminishing the spirituality of the mountain may be very serious. Barrick's tarnished reputation may yet cause some to think twice about allowing them to mine at Mt. Tenabo. Barrick has faced opposition to its mines not only in Nevada and Papua New Guinea, but also in Chile, Tanzania, Australia, and elsewhere. Barrick is now one of only seven mining companies that the Norwegian Pension Fund has excluded from investment.
Read more on the struggles of the Western Shoshone with mining, and visit the Western Shoshone Defense Project and Great Basin Resource Watch.
Relief in Romania as court blocks Rosia Montana mine
December 2008. Romania's Supreme Court ruled this month that the Carnic Massif is protected from mining that would destroy its archeological heritage. This provides some needed relief to the people of Rosia Montana, who have been struggling against the open-pit gold mine pushed by companies Gabriel Resources and its supporters Newmont and Electrum. The mine would destroy the cultural heritage of the Carnic Massif and displace the people of Rosia Montana from their town.
Read more on Rosia Montana and read the press release from Alburnus Maior.
National Geographic exposes The Real Price of Gold
December 2008. The January issue of National Geographic Magazine exposes some of the human and environmental costs of mining gold at Newmont's Batu Hijau mine in Idonesia and elsewhere. "The Real Price of Gold" also notes No Dirty Gold's efforts to stop these impacts.
Rallying to the Defense of Mt. Tenabo and Western Shoshone rights
November 2008. Thousands of No Dirty Gold members have sent letters to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to oppose Barrick Gold's proposed expansion of its Cortez Hills mine onto Mt. Tenabo, a sacred Western Shoshone site in Nevada. The mine expansion would threaten sacred Shoshone gravesites, disturb ritual grounds, and harm important water sources.
In apparent disregard for Western Shoshone rights, the BLM gave its go-ahead for the mine earlier this month. But No Dirty Gold members let the BLM know that there is strong opposition to the project, and have helped move the campaign to further action. A lawsuit has now been filed in federal court to stop the expansion.
For more information, see:
No Dirty Gold information on the struggles of the Western Shoshone with mining
the Western Shoshone Defense Project
Great Basin Resource Watch
Proposed Gold Mine Threatens Ghana Forest Reserve, Groups Warn
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The Akyem mine would displace the entire village of Yayaaso. Credit: Ute Hausmann / FIAN
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August 2008. Technical Reviews of US-based Newmont's EIS indicate biodiversity, forest loss and water contamination risks from the Akyem mine and point to significant flaws and omissions in EIS.
Urge the government in Ghana to deny the permit
Read the summary factsheet, technical reviews, and background information
Read the press release
No Dirty Gold Campaign Statement
on Wal-mart's Love, Earth Initiative
July 2008. The No Dirty Gold campaign's statement on Love, Earth can be read here.
Indigenous Mining Activists Released from Jail!
May 2008. Thousands of No Dirty Gold members and others urged the Ontario Premier to release the First Nation leaders who were jailed for attempting to protect their lands by protesting mining activities. Good news: these activists have been released!
The KI Six, of the Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation, and Robert Lovelace of the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation had been sentenced to six months in jail but have been released ahead of time. As they face additional charges, community members are calling on the Province to change the antiquated Ontario Mining Act to recognize the right of indigenous groups and communities to prior consent for mining projects on their lands. [Learn More].
Every day is Mother's Day at the No Dirty Gold Campaign!
May 2008. Do something for Mama Earth -- and all moms -- this Mother's Day. Help us honor moms around the world affected by mining by reading their stories and by sending a Mother's Day ePostcard to your friends.
Happy Mother's Day!
Gold at record high prices
But what is the true cost of gold mining?
March 2008. Gold reached an all-time high of $1000/oz. earlier this month and still hovers around that mark. But is that the true cost of gold? It does not include the cost of social and environmental devastation that gold mining can bring to an area. Those costs may be rising too as mining companies are now seeking out gold in new areas of the world and expanding mines to tap lower-grade ores that were not profitable to exploit when gold prices were lower. These prices may mean greater profits for mining companies, and may also mean a greater price to pay for communities affected by mining. Help end destructive gold mining practices by signing the No Dirty Gold pledge!
Jewelry retailers urge protection for Alaska's Bristol Bay
Report highlights impacts of Alaska's Pebble mine proposal and others that violate the Golden Rules.
Bear in the Bristol Bay watershed.
Credit: Ben Knight |
February 2008. Five of the nation's leading jewelry retailers supporting the Golden Rules today announced their support for the protection of Alaska's Bristol Bay from large-scale metals mining. The proposed Pebble gold-copper mine threatens the fisheries and livelihood of people in the Bristol Bay area.
The Pebble proposal features in the report Golden Rules: Making the Case for More Responsible Mining, also released today, as a mine that violates the Golden Rules for more responsible mining. The report documents the devastating impacts of metals mining at 16 other places in the world, including Ghana, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Australia, and Nevada.
28 jewelry retailers have now signed on to the Golden Rules to indicate their desire to source minerals from mines that uphold principles protecting human rights and the environment.
No Dirty Gold raises profile of campaign with major TV coverage January 2008. The No Dirty Gold campaign drew attention to the impacts of gold mining in several television spots in the end of 2007. In Chicago, "'Green' Gold Helps Couples Reduce Impact on Earth" reached the third largest media market in the US. The report on efforts to reduce impacts of gold mining and provide more responsibly sourced metals to customers highlighted the work of the No Dirty Gold campaign. A similar news story in Seattle, "Shoppers seek out green bling," also drew attention to the waste created by gold mining and to customers' desires to wear jewelry that does not come at the expense of communities and the environment.
No Dirty Gold campaign wins a BENNY award!
October 2007. The No Dirty Gold campaign has won a competitive award for successful corporate campaigning by the Business Ethics Network. The awards were presented at a ceremony held in Oakland, CA. EARTHWORKS campaigner Payal Sampat accepted the BENNY award on behalf of the No Dirty Gold campaign, noting: "This award inspires us to work harder than ever to clean up dirty mining practices."
Thanks to all of you who have helped us make big strides with this campaign!
The BENNY Awards recognize outstanding achievements made by campaigns working to promote more ethical corporate behavior. Other nominees in 2007 included campaigns to protect rail and farm workers, to ban toxic chemicals from cosmetics, to protect forests, and to promote renewable energy.
Glencairn Needs to Clean Up Its Own Mess
September 2007. In July, the Bellavista gold mine in Costa Rica shut down following a suspected leak of cyanide and metals. Glencairn, the Canadian company that owns the mine, has yet to disclose any details about the leak, including any information about actual or potential damage or risks.
Take action! Tell Glencairn that they must inform the public, especially communities living near the mine, about what's going on at Bellavista. And ask them to clean up any damage from the leak!
Read more on our press release.
Newmont Urged to Condemn Death Threats and Harassment
August 2007. Mining activists in Peru were encouraged by the No Dirty Gold campaign's thousands of letters to Newmont calling on the mining company to condemn intimidation and human rights violations at their Yanacocha mine in Cajamarca. But Newmont has failed to act and the violations continue! If you haven't already, please take action to stop these threats to community leaders! Read more here.
Leading Retailers Pledge Their Gold Jewelry Will Sparkle Responsibly
February 2007. 25 jewelry retailers worth roughly $12 billion in annual sales have endorsed the No Dirty Gold campaign's Golden Rules criteria for more responsible mining.
The list includes 7 of the 10 largest U.S. retailers of jewelry, and represents about 22 percent of the country's total jewelry market.
Target Corporation has been named a laggard for not making these commitments.
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See why class rings manufacturer Commemorative Brands endorsed the Golden Rules.
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Gold Mining and Conflict
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Natural resources, instead of bringing wealth, have fuelled conflict in the Dem. Republic of Congo. Credit: Richard Wainwright/CAFOD Unearth Justice
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December 2006. The Hollywood film "Blood Diamond" starring Leonardo DiCaprio highlights how the illegal diamond trade has been the cause of enormous human suffering, helping to fuel and finance armed conflict in parts of Africa. Gold mining, too, bears the scars of conflict, destruction, and human rights abuse. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, armed groups fighting for control of gold mines and trading routes have committed murderous crimes using the profits from gold to fund their activities and buy weapons. In other places, local communities have encountered intimidation, abuse, even violent suppression when voicing opposition to mining projects.
The Consumer Face of No Dirty Gold
Andrew and Johanna Heyduk were looking for the perfect wedding bands, rings that hadn't contributed to hurting communities or the environment.
"It was a symbol of our bond," Andrew Heyduk said. "We wanted it to be as untainted as possible." Read their story.
New York Times Uncovers Real Cost of Gold
December 2005. The price of gold is higher than it's been in 17 years. But much of the gold left to be mined is microscopic and is being wrung from the earth at enormous environmental cost, often in some of the poorest corners of the world. In The Cost of Gold series, New York Times reporters describe gold mining's toll with stories from the western United States, Guatemala, Ghana, Indonesia, and Peru.
Consumer Campaign Targets One of World's Dirtiest Industries: Gold Mining
 Read our report, Dirty Metals: Mining, Communities and the Environment, detailing the massive pollution, devastating community effects, danger to workers and human rights abuses that have become hallmarks of gold and metals mining in many countries.
Read news stories about the No Dirty Gold campaign.
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