Artisanal mining standard recognised by RJC

Increased international focus on conflict-sensitive due diligence has raised concerns that downstream supply chain participants may avoid artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASM) sourcing, leading ASM producers towards a more informal, or even illegal supply chain.

To help alleviate these potential impacts, RJC and the Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM) co-operated to conduct a review of the comparability of the RJC Code of Practices standard and the producer requirements in Part A of the Fairtrade and Fairmined Standard.

Following a public comment period, the RJC board has agreed to formally recognise Part A of the Fairtrade and Fairmined Standard as a ‘Recognised Responsible Mining Standard’ under the RJC CoC Standard.

CEO of RJC Michael Rae said: “The review of the producer requirements in the Fairtrade and Fairmined standard has found it to be comparable to the RJC Code of Practices standard in its positive impact on artisanal and small-scale miners. ARM and FLO’s standard contributes to the formalisation and professionalisation of the ASM sector and RJC is pleased that the CoC standard can help further promote certification of ASM producers.”

A Q&A on the recognition has been developed and is available on the RJC website at the following link: www.responsiblejewellery.com/chain-of-custody-certification