On a recent trip to the Peruvian Amazon, Rodrigo Velarde, Pure Earth Peru’s Country Director, Jen Maraccino, Pure Earth’s Senior Director of Development, and Allison Charalambous, Brilliant Earth’s Vice President of Responsible Sourcing and Sustainability, visited Artisanal Miners Association Tauro Fátima (AMATAF), a legal mining association in Madre de Dios, Peru. They were there to learn about the remarkable progress being made in the country towards responsible gold mining practices, including the efforts of artisanal and small-scale (ASGM) miners.
Pure Earth has been working to address mercury pollution from ASGM in Madre de Dios, Peru, since 2014. Over the past few decades, artisanal and small-scale gold mining in Madre de Dios has released over 3000 tons of mercury into the environment, causing adverse health and environmental impacts to the surrounding communities. The mining association AMATAF, founded in 1987, operates in the buffer zone surrounding the Tambopata National Reserve, a biodiversity hotspot in the Amazon rainforest.
Recognizing the need for change, AMATAF partnered with Pure Earth to implement mercury-free mining techniques, reforest degraded lands, and achieve Fairmined certification. In 2024, AMATAF became the first legal mining association to be Fairmined certified in the Amazon under the Green Mining project funded by global jewelry brand Brilliant Earth, working with Pure Earth and the Alliance for Responsible Mining. This certification signifies that these small-scale miners adhere to strict international standards, ensuring responsible mining practices.
These successes would not be possible without years of building trust and collaboration between the Pure Earth Peru team, including France Cabanillas and Sofia López, and local mining communities. Their connection with the miners has been pivotal in driving change.
“Living in Madre de Dios, I’ve learned that it is important to work with the miners to learn more about their reality, to determine suitable spaces, to explain the importance of reforestation, and to encourage the use of more responsible technologies and alternatives to mercury,” says France Cabanillas.
During their visit, Jen and Allison toured three mining concessions, going through their extraction and processing methods. They visited reforestation plots and had the opportunity to plant saplings in some of the degraded areas. These efforts contribute to the ecological restoration of areas impacted by mining activities.
“I came back from this trip with a great sense of respect, respect for the miners and their challenges and obstacles. Regardless of these obstacles, they are so determined, determined to produce clean and responsible gold,” says Allison Charalambous.
Voices from the Ground
When asked how it felt to work in the first Fairmined certified mine in the Amazon, the miners expressed their pride and gratitude.
“Thank you, Pure Earth, for the support you have given us to improve the reforestation efforts. Beforehand, we had the idea of reforesting, but we did it at our own discretion and on our own basis, but Pure Earth came, trained us and we improved all the reforestation projects we have,” said Elvis Casa.
“Thank you for your visit, Allison and [Jen]. We have been waiting anxiously to meet you because thanks to you we have been certified. Your collaboration has been crucial in this process. I am infinitely grateful to all of you, even to my workers who accompany me day by day. Thank you,” said Hugo Quispe.
Empowering Women in Mining
With support from the JCK Industry Fund, Pure Earth Peru also hosted a workshop with the Women’s Mining Network of Madre de Dios during this trip. The workshop focused on the health impacts of mercury and market opportunities for female miners who adopt responsible practices.
Women are a crucial part of the global ASGM workforce, constituting as much as a third of it. Their role is particularly noteworthy in Madre de Dios, where women own 30% of formalized mining concessions. AMATAF is currently led by Vilma Contreras, a shining example of the positive impact of female leadership and a Pure Earth 2024 Force of Nature awardee. Over a decade ago, when Vilma met France Cabanillas, Pure Earth Peru Project Coordinator, she envisioned the production of ‘ecological gold’, a term used to describe gold that is mined using environmentally friendly methods, and obtaining certification. Her vision has been the driving force behind the organization’s successes despite the sociopolitical challenges in the region.
“We want to sell gold mined without mercury to businesses and we want to reforest areas compromised by mining activity. Because the environment is everyone’s responsibility,” says Vilma.
Pure Earth’s collaboration with the Women’s Mining Network of Madre de Dios aims to support the implementation of a roadmap that includes environmental considerations, mercury-free extraction, and the empowerment of women miners to drive significant changes within the ASGM network.
Looking Forward
While significant progress has been made, much work remains to be done. Pure Earth Peru and the Women’s ASGM Network of Madre de Dios are seeking partners to fund a three-year project to adopt profitable mercury-free mining methods, reforest mining concession lands, and develop leadership and business skills that will enable their members to be more prepared to connect with national and international buyers of responsibly-mined gold.
“As we continue this journey, we invite partners and supporters to join us in expanding this model and empowering local mining communities to take up responsible mining practices in an effort to solve mercury pollution and save lives,” says Jen Marraccino. “Together, we can make a difference in miners’ lives, communities, and the environment.”
Pure Earth and AMATAF’s journey in Peru tells a story of trust, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to responsible mining. The success achieved so far is a testament to the dedication of all involved, from the miners on the ground to supporters like Brilliant Earth.
“It is crucial to bring together the community, donors and the local Pure Earth team to maximize the visibility of our results and continue to align our efforts toward a common goal. At Pure Earth, we ensure that every investment translates into tangible benefits for both the community and the environment,” says Rodrigo Velarde.
