Responsible mining

Responsible mining refers to advocacy to reform mining activity, as well as to a marketing strategy used by mining companies to promote their operations as environmentally or socially sound. Goals may vary by group.

Responsible mining first appeared in an article entitled "Re-inhabitory Mining" and next in another article titled "Ecological Mining". The term "Responsible Mining" is also claimed as having been formulated by Ranil Senanayake of the International Analog Forestry Network and Brian Hill of the Institute for Cultural Ecology.

'Responsible mining' advocacy is being carried out by several non-governmental organizations (NGOs):

The Alliance for Responsible Mining is an independent, mission-driven initiative that supports artisanal and small-scale (ASM) miners globally. Established in 2004, the organization’s mission is to enhance social and economic wellbeing, strengthen environmental protection and establish fair governance in ASM communities by formalizing the ASM sector. To achieve its mission, ARM has created an exceptional set of social and environmental standards known as the Fairmined certification. ARM offers extensive and continuous support and training to ASM communities to help them reach the standards, achieve the Fairmined certification and invest in community development. Furthermore, ARM serves as an intermediary for ASM communities, which gives them the opportunity to respond to international markets demanding ethical metals and jewelry. Since 2004, ARM has facilitated the positive transformation of multiple ASM communities in Latin America and is currently expanding its efforts to Africa and Asia.

Tha Artisanal Gold Council Through global partnerships and innovative programs the Artisanal Gold Council (AGC) carries out its mission to improve the opportunities, environment and health of the millions of individuals involved in artisanal and small scale gold mining.

BioVerde, S.A. provides consultancies to protect and advance the rights and traditions of small and medium size mining communities, to provide responsible mining plans of operation, appropriate technology, and to help market limited quantities of precious metals and gems. Two of BioVerde directors were founders of ARM.

Citizens for Responsible Mining is active in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and is concerned with countering anti-mining sentiment, especially concerning sulfide mining.

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Wikipedia