RJC Signs Deal with Artisanal Gold Miners

RAPAPORT... The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) has entered into acollaboration that, it claimed, will significantly increase the volume ofartisanal-mined gold in the market. The organization signed a memorandum of understanding with theSwiss Better Gold Association, the Better Gold Initiative for ASM (artisanalsmall-scale miners), and the Max Havelaar Foundation (Switzerland) forFairtrade. Under the agreement, the four trade bodies will support theproduction of five tonnes of responsibly sourced gold by artisanal small-scaleminers in Peru, Bolivia and Colombia, which will be introduced into the marketby 2020. "Through this collaboration, we will work closely with theseorganizations to promote sustainability and ethical business practices in thejewelry supply chain," Andrew Bone, executive director of the RJC, said lastweek. "Together we can leverage each other's knowledge and expertise regardingthe challenges and issues the industry faces to instill a responsible supplychain and promote consumer confidence in the watch and fine-jewelry industry." Image: Gold jewelry.