If you work with fair gold as a jeweller or are thinking about it, there’s always one question: How is everything actually developing? What’s the share of fairly traded gold? How much of it actually reaches the market? And who really benefits from it?
To help you keep track, we’ve prepared an overview for you here. With the latest figures from the Fairtrade Germany Annual Impact Report 2024/25 and the Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM) Annual Report 2024. You can download both reports directly from us.
And: We want to expand this article year by year. So you don’t have to search for long, but find everything in one place.
The Current Reports at a Glance
Fairtrade Germany Annual Impact Report 2024/25
What you should know:
In Germany, approximately 8 kg of Fairtrade gold were sold in 2024 – around 35% less in volume than the previous year. At the same time, however, revenue from Fairtrade gold increased by 7% to around €558,000. In concrete terms: Fairtrade gold remains an exclusive niche product, but it’s gaining in value and significance. And this is exactly where we’re focusing together with you: Our goal is for fairly traded gold to become more visible step by step and eventually become a matter of course.
9 out of 10 people in Germany know the Fairtrade seal. For you, this means: With this seal, you have a strong trust anchor that your customers immediately recognize. Whether on your website, in your shop window, or during consultations.
The total revenue from Fairtrade products in Germany grew by 13% to €2.9 billion in 2024 – a new record. This shows that fair trade has arrived in mainstream society. Even in the luxury sector, there are more and more customers who want to shop consciously and fairly.
€44 million in Fairtrade premiums flowed to producer organizations worldwide – part of which also went to certified mines. These premiums are a fixed premium per kilogram of gold and are paid in full to the respective mining organizations. On-site, the communities themselves decide what to use the money for: for example, for community projects, schools, health centres, or environmental protection measures. This gives you as jewellers a powerful story: Your jewellery makes a difference.
Alliance for Responsible Mining (Fairmined) Annual Report 2024
Before we dive into the numbers, a quick context: The Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM) is the organization behind the Fairmined standard. ARM advocates globally for responsible artisanal mining and has developed Fairmined as a certification system. The report shows how Fairmined is developing worldwide and what impact it currently has.
What you should know:
Worldwide, there are currently only 11 Fairmined-certified artisanal mining organizations (7 in Peru, 3 in Colombia, 1 in Ecuador). Fairmined gold therefore comes from strictly controlled sources with high social and environmental standards. For you, this means: full transparency about where the gold comes from and under what conditions it is mined. Although the certified mines are currently mainly in Latin America, the Alliance for Responsible Mining is already supporting projects in Africa and Asia to offer Fairmined there in the future.
74.12 kg of Fairmined gold were sold worldwide in 2024. Compared to global gold production, this is vanishingly small and shows: Fairmined gold remains a niche product so far. But for you as jewellers, this doesn’t mean: bury your head in the sand – rather, look closely and stay committed. Because precisely because it’s so special, it’s worth making Fairmined gold visible and working together to ensure it plays an even bigger role in the future. Every ring, every chain made from Fairmined gold sends a signal in the right direction.
In total, 428 companies in 34 countries are part of the Fairmined system. From jewellery workshops to wholesalers to brands and jewellers – you’re part of an international community.
Last year, the Alliance for Responsible Mining’s projects directly improved the lives of 4,422 people in mining communities. Including over 1,000 miners who work more safely and under better conditions.
An important point from the current 2024 report: This year, for example, a Fairmined-certified mine in Peru was able to install solar panels for the first time with the help of Fairmined premiums, thus reducing its CO₂ emissions. This shows: The Fairmined premium is being used very concretely on-site to build environmental protection and more sustainable structures. For you, this means: Fairmined gold stands not only for fair working conditions but also for active investments in greener technologies and a more responsible future.
20 Years of Alliance for Responsible Mining: From Idea to Movement
In 2024, the Alliance for Responsible Mining celebrates its 20th anniversary. From a small idea in Ecuador, an international movement has emerged over two decades. A few numbers and milestones you should know:
- 2004: The idea emerges in Ecuador.
- 2008: First delivery of fairly traded gold to Europe.
- 2013: The Fairmined standard officially launches.
- 2017: Introduction of the CRAFT code for particularly vulnerable mining communities.
- 2024: Fairmined now also covers copper, tin, and mica.
To date, over 2,100 kilograms of Fairmined gold and silver have been sold worldwide. More than €7.5 million in Fairmined premiums have flowed directly to mining communities.
This shows: Fairmined is growing steadily, has already brought about enormous changes on-site, and yet there’s still much to do. For jewellers in particular, it remains important to actively support this development and continue to make it visible.
Why We're Sharing These Reports with You
Because we think: Knowledge helps. Especially when you work with fair gold as jewellers, you need arguments. For yourself, for your customers, or for the next conversation at a trade fair.
The reports provide solid figures and at the same time show that fair gold is not a mass product. But something special. Something that has a direct impact: for miners, their families, the environment.
And What's Next?
We will expand this page every year. With the new reports, new figures, and new developments. If you have feedback, questions, or requests, please get in touch.
Enjoy browsing and crafting with a clear conscience!
Your Fairever Team
