If your brand is RJC certified and you’ve been wondering whether you can responsibly integrate artisanal and small‑scale mining (ASM) gold into your supply chain – the answer is yes, and the reasons just got clearer.
1. What the RJC Recognizes—and Why It Matters
In September 2014, the Responsible Jewellery Council formally recognized the Fairmined Standard v2.0 as a “Recognised Responsible Mining Standard” under its Chain‑of‑Custody (CoC) Standard for precious metals. That means RJC CoC certified refiners can source gold from Fairmined‑certified ASM producers and remain in full compliance.
A previous announcement in 2012 confirmed that Part A of the joint Fairtrade‑Fairmined Standard met RJC’s equivalency criteria for responsible mining. That recognition allows those ASM‑certified producers access to RJC member markets.
2. Fairmined Meets—and Often Exceeds—the RJC Code of Practices
The RJC Code of Practices (COP) doesn’t mandate specific labels. Instead, it sets criteria around:
- OECD‑aligned due diligence
- Human rights protections
- Supply chain traceability
- Environmental and labor standards
Fairmined meets all of these – and in many cases goes further with:
- Third‑party audits and living on-site verification
- A trace-traceability system from mine to refinery
- Environmental and social measures tailored to artisanal mining realities
Miner communities certified under Fairmined receive a Fairmined Premium, supporting social investment and formalizing ASM operations. There’s also an Ecological Gold option for zero‑toxic chemical mining.
3. Key Frequently Asked Questions
Can RJC CoC certified refiners source Fairmined gold?
Yes—this is explicitly permitted under CoC rules as “eligible material”.
Can Fairtrade‑Fairmined gold be mixed with other sources?
Yes under CoC—but labeling claims require registering Part B and trading under the full Fairtrade/Fairmined scheme.
Does this support OECD-aligned due diligence?
Absolutely—Fairmined aligns with the OECD Gold Supplement on responsible sourcing from legitimate ASM producers.
4. Why Every Jewelry Brand Should Care
- Brand trust: Sourcing certified ASM gold helps prove you’re serious about ESG and traceability.
- Impact that scales: Every gram of Fairmined gold directly benefits mining communities and supports formal economic participation.
- Market differentiation: Ethical sourcing is no longer optional—Fairmined gives brands a credible, auditable story.
- Operational clarity: If you’re RJC certified, sourcing Fairmined gold doesn’t require breaking internal policy; it fits your existing framework.
5. How to Integrate It, Step by Step
- Check your RJC CoC certification status.
- Partner with Fairmined-registered refiners or traders—these are already set up within the dual system.
- Sign up for Part B if you want to make public Fairmined‑label claims.
- Report and trace: Ensure traceability documentation remains intact through your chain-of-custody system.
- Communicate externally: Add Fairmined sourcing to your ESG disclosures, storytelling, and impact summaries.
6. Real‑World Validation
- High‑end brands like Chopard publicly commit to sourcing traceable artisanal gold—including Fairmined and Fairtrade—through RJC‑certified refiners.
- ARM (Alliance for Responsible Mining) and RJC now offer joint audit paths, reducing burden and helping brands operationalize ASM inclusion more smoothly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re an RJC‑certified jewelry brand, Fairmined (and Fairtrade) gold isn’t a fringe risk—it’s a responsible, traceable, and standards‑aligned opportunity. You can stay compliant, support ASM inclusion, and give your brand a credible ethical advantage.
Questions? Want template language, sourcing partners, or audit playbooks?
Or contact the Alliance for Responsible Mining – we’ll help you get started!
