If we think at all about where our gold comes from, we probably picture a bearded prospector with a shovel and a mule. In reality, most of our gold comes from vast open pit mines in remote locations operated by large, multinational corporations. These mines consume excessive amounts of water and energy, create mountains of waste rock and fill acres of ponds with toxic chemicals. They consume wilderness areas, threaten economies and indigenous communities, and can cause perpetual pollution.

Photo: National Park Service

A significant amount of gold is supplied by artisanal and small scale mining, which employs an estimated twelve million people around the world. These operations often bring about environmental degradation, involve child labor and lead to the exploitation and further impoverishment of workers and communities.

An artisanal mining area near Siguiri in Guinea. photo: Beatrice Labonne

The earth’s gold is found in faraway places, which has allowed us to distance ourselves from the realities of its extraction. We love precious materials, but overlook the fact that the jewelry we make begins with at a place, a source. Because eighty percent of the gold that is mined each year is used to make jewelry, we must take notice and share responsibility

We focus attention on gold because of its high visibility and economic value, and because its profitability drives the majority of new mining projects. However, silver, copper, platinum, palladium, zinc and lead are also part of the story. Environmental degradation and human rights violations can occur when any metal is mined, and many mines produce silver, copper and other metals in addition to gold.

Jewelry traditions are woven into our culture. Jewelry-making is our livelihood and we love our craft. We care about the traditions, integrity and future of metal arts. Ethical Metalsmiths was created for people who want their materials to be consistent with their values. We are demanding that the mining industry adopt more ethical practices. We invite our colleagues in the metals community; artists, metalsmiths, goldsmiths, jewelers, educators and students, galleries and collectors, retailers and suppliers to become advocates for responsibly sourced materials.

We want precious metals that are responsibly mined or recycled and independently certified as meeting recognized international standards. For suppliers, there is the opportunity to become a certified link in an ethical and transparent supply chain. Independent artists and small businesses can shift purchasing habits quickly and can take the lead in creating change. Educators control large purchasing budgets for their schools and have an unparalleled opportunity to influence the next generation of metalsmiths. Collectors, gallery owners and jewelry retailers, as the end points in the supply chain are positioned to reward ethical practices and affect what is exhibited and sold to consumers.

We believe that metalsmiths have a societal role and can be particularly effective advocates for mining  reform. It is not how much gold we use, but how we use it. We are respected for our expertise. What we do as artists and designers can directly influence trends. The historical experience of “activist” artisans shows that we can play a disproportionate role in shaping public opinion.

We thank EARTHWORKS for their work in protecting communities and the environment from the impacts of mining, digging and drilling, and Oxfam America for seeking lasting solutions to global poverty, hunger and social justice. We congratulate the No Dirty Gold campaign for gathering the support of more than 100,000 consumers in demanding that the global mining industry provide retailers and consumers an alternative to dirty gold.