Fairmined™ Gold and Silver Certification

Becoming a Fairmined Authorized Operator, Fairmined Licensee, or First Authorized Buyer enables you to:

• Demonstrate your commitment to ethical sourcing
• Engage in actions that benefit workers, communities, and the environment
• Market the high quality and artisanal nature of your raw materials  
• Reinforce trust in the value of your brand

What is the Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM)?

ARM is a global pioneering initiative established in 2004 to foster sustainable artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM). Operating via a worldwide network of experts and partners, ARM is building social justice and environmental protection throughout the ASM community. ARM developed the Fairmined standard for gold and associated precious metals.

How do I purchase Fairmined Gold, Silver or Platinum?

If you want to know more about Fairmined or about how to purchase Fairmined Material, please contact Fairmined directly at: https://fairmined.org/where-to-buy-fairmined/

What is Ecological Gold, Silver and Platinum?

Ecological Gold, Silver, or Platinum is a special designation awarded to gold and associated precious metals which are produced under stringent environmental practices. These practices include extraction without the use of mercury or cyanide, forest restoration in areas of high biodiversity and ecological restoration in any ecosystem. Under the Fairmined program, an additional premium is granted for precious metals extracted using these methods.

What is a Fairmined “Authorized Supplier”?

Any entity such as refiners, traders, manufactures and casters. They help mining organizations access the market and transform the gold into inputs for the various segment of the gold industry. Any actor in the supply chain wishing to trade Fairmined gold must become an authorized supplier by signing a Permit to trade with the Alliance for Responsible Mining. There are two types of Fairmined suppliers: A First Authorized Buyer and a Non-First Authorized Buyer.

What is a First Authorized Buyer (FAB) and Non-FAB?

FABs buy Fairmined metals directly from the certified mining organizations. They have greater responsibilities as they need to comply with the requirements of chapter 5 of the Fairmined Standard that regulate trading relationships with mining organizations. Non-FAB organizations buy metals from other Fairmined authorized suppliers and either distribute them or transform them into inputs for the market.

What is a Fairmined “Authorized Operator”?

Any individual or entity involved in a Fairmined chain of custody that takes possession, transforms, or trades the product, up to the point of the Fairmined label user (“Licensee”), and that has been independently audited by a registered third-party and certified to the Fairmined standard requirements.

What is a Fairmined “Authorized Licensee”?

Fairmined Licensee’s are brands (jewelry companies, mints, etc) who want to work with Fairmined metals and make claims about it need to sign a License agreement with the Alliance for Responsible Mining. Any individual or entity that has been granted the use of the Fairmined label, based on independent auditing and certification by a registered third-party to the Fairmined standard requirements and who has signed a licensing agreement with ARM is a “Fairmined Licensee."

How do I become a Fairmined Authorized Supplier or Licensee?

If you want to know more about Fairmined, about how to engage with Fairmined or want to become a Fairmined licensed brand or authorized Supplier, please send a message to the Fairmined directly at: https://fairmined.org/contact/

What benefits do miners receive for becoming Fairmined certified?

Miners receive a guaranteed Fairtrade Minimum Price (set at 95% of the London Bullion Market Association’s price). They also receive a Fairtrade premium payment which is democratically reinvested in community projects and into improving miners’ operations. Through this reinvestment, mining workers receive benefits such as training, safety equipment, improved working conditions, greater security, and new technologies.

What is Ecological Gold, Silver and Platinum?

Ecological Gold, Silver, or Platinum is a special designation awarded to gold and associated precious metals which are produced under stringent environmental practices. These practices include extraction without the use of mercury or cyanide, forest restoration in areas of high biodiversity and ecological restoration in any ecosystem. Under the Fairmined program, an additional premium is granted for precious metals extracted using these methods.

1. Prepare Data and Documentation

   An SCS technical associate provides you with a Data Request Form (DRF) that helps you define the certification scope and assemble supporting evidence.

2. Audit

   • Operators and Licensees

     Documentation audits are required for those seeking Authorized Operator or Authorized Licensee status.

   • First Authorized Buyers
     On-site assessments are required for First Authorized Buyers, consistent with Fairmined requirements.

3. Report Findings and Recommendations

   Our auditor’s draft report details the findings of the audit, including data analyses, non-conformities, and opportunities for improvement. SCS conducts an internal technical review of the audit report, then delivers the report to you.

4. Correct Non-Conformities

   You respond to all non-conformities with a Corrective Action Plan. You may also make comments and responses to the information contained in the report and the conclusions drawn by the auditor.

   All major con-conformities must be addressed by operators and licensees before certification. In the event of a major non-conformance, ARM and SCS jointly decide whether or not further assessment via an on-site audit is required.

5. Authorize

   SCS makes the final authorization decision. If approved, SCS issues the authorization certificate and final report to your facility or operation. Once certified, your company is listed in the Green Products Guide on the SCS website.

6. Renew Authorization

   Periodic audits are conducted to maintain your certification and support continual improvement.

   • Prepare Data and Documentation: An SCS technical associate provides you with a Data Request Form (DRF) that helps you define the certification scope and assemble supporting evidence.

   • Audit: Authorized Suppliers and Licensees are required to undergo either a documentation or on-site assessment, determined by Fairmined.

   • Report Findings and Recommendation: Our auditors complete the audit and create a report that includes non-conformities, opportunities for improvement, and observations (if applicable). If non-conformities are identified, the auditor requests a CAP from you. Afterwards, SCS conducts an internal technical review of the audit report, and delivers the report to Fairmined.

   • Correct non-conformities: All major non-conformities must be addressed by authorized suppliers and licensees before certification. In the event of a major non-conformance, Fairmined and SCS jointly decide whether or not further assessment via an on-site audit is required.

   • Authorize: Fairmined makes the final authorization decision. If approved, Fairmined issues the authorization certificate and final report to your facility or operation.

   • Renew Authorization: Fairmined will contact you for your next certification