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At Pure Earth Peru, our commitment is to support the transformation of artisanal mining in Madre de Dios, a region of incredible biodiversity where traditionally informal, mercury-dependent gold mining has caused significant environmental and social damage. Through our project Strengthening the Mercury-Free Fairmined Gold Value Chain and Restoring the Amazon, funded by jewelry company Brilliant Earth with support from the Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM) and the active participation of the Tauro Fátima Artisanal Mining Association (AMATAF), we are advancing toward responsible mining practices that benefit both the environment and local communities.
Mercury-Free Mining: Innovation and Commitment
One of the greatest challenges in Madre de Dios is reducing mercury use in gold extraction, given its severe impact on the Amazonian ecosystem and human health. With the support of Brilliant Earth, we have trained miners in innovative techniques, such as the use of gravimetric tables, which eliminate the need for mercury in the extraction process. The adoption of these technologies boosts global acceptance and opens doors to new markets for responsibly mined gold. Furthermore, these practices demonstrate that innovation in the mining sector, combined with the commitment of concession owners, is essential to building an ethical and competitive market.
Supply Chain and Fairmined Certification
To improve responsible miners’ access to committed markets, we work with the Fairmined certification, a standard that ensures compliance with environmental, social, and ethical practices in gold extraction. This certification has facilitated commercial relationships between mining concessions in Madre de Dios and local Peruvian jewelry companies such as Casa Collab, Sissai, and Imelda de Val, which already purchase certified gold. Fairmined certification also helps reshape international perceptions of formal artisanal mining in the Amazon, proving that it can be a responsible activity.
Reforestation as Part of Mine Closure
In collaboration with AMATAF, Pure Earth has promoted the reforestation of degraded lands within mining concessions. To date, AMATAF has reforested over 10 hectares and planted over 11,500 native trees, some of which were grown in the “Garden of the Amazon” nursery established in the Linda 2 concession, reinforcing their commitment to ecosystem recovery. These efforts not only contribute to restoring biodiversity but also help capture atmospheric carbon and mercury that may linger in the air.
The Jewelry Industry’s Role
The commitment of strategic partners like Brilliant Earth has been instrumental in consolidating and expanding these achievements. Thanks to their support, we are advancing the transformation of mining in the Peruvian Amazon. The jewelry industry plays a decisive role in this initiative: by choosing gold mined without mercury, companies not only acquire an ethical, high-quality product but also contribute to reducing ecosystem impacts, improving miners’ quality of life, and supporting global responsibility.
This project has been showcased at prominent international forums and discussions, generating significant interest in the sector for its potential to transform the jewelry supply chain. By communicating this commitment to their customers, companies strengthen relationships with increasingly conscious and engaged consumers. Together, we can create a jewelry market that reflects not only the beauty of precious metals but also responsible practices and the well-being of communities.
