Gold has been valued and coveted by humans for centuries. The beauty and rarity of gold make it a precious metal and a precious commodity. Its use is pervasive in many aspects of our lives. From jewelry to electronics, gold is found in many products we use every day. When we wake up and check our phone or smart watch, slide our gold engagement ring on our finger, work on our laptops, heat up our coffee in the microwave, and millions of other activities, we are relying on gold to get us through our day.
There is no way around it: gold is integral in our daily lives.
However, the process of mining and refining gold has a devastating impact on the environment and on the communities that live in these areas. Let's explore the impact of one gold ring and the broader impact of gold mining on the environment, particularly in the The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). We'll also look at what we do at MiaDonna to make people aware of the harmful effects of gold mining and the importance of ethical and sustainable alternatives.
The Environmental Impact of Gold Mining
Let's face it: Gold rings are gorgeous. But at what cost? Gold mining has a significant environmental impact. Extracting gold from the earth involves a range of harmful chemicals and processes.
For example, Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) that relies on mercury is the primary cause of mercury pollution on a global scale. This method involves using elemental mercury to form an amalgam with gold from the ore. The amalgam is then manually isolated and heated, often using a torch or stove, to evaporate the mercury and leave behind the gold.
ASGM contributes to over 1,000 tons of released mercury annually, with mining waste (tailings) and vaporized mercury being the main sources of pollution. This practice has severe consequences for the miners, who are exposed to mercury through inhalation and are at risk of neurological damage and other health problems.
The surrounding communities are also impacted by mercury contamination in their water and soil. This can accumulate in their food, particularly fish, a primary source of dietary protein in many ASGM areas.
Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of mercury exposure, as it can lead to physical and mental disabilities and hinder development. ASGM using mercury is a widespread issue, with 10 to 19 million people using this method in over 70 countries. Consequently, mercury pollution from ASGM is a global concern.
According to the World Gold Council (WGC), mining operations are the primary source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the gold industry. To solve these problems at scale, we must first look at the largest sources, or mines, for gold mining.
In Summary: Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) is the largest source of mercury emissions globally, followed by coal combustion!
The Top Four Mines that Dump Waste into Bodies of Water
Dumping mining waste, or tailings, into bodies of water has a devastating impact on the environment and local communities. Unfortunately, four major mines account for a significant amount of tailings dumped into bodies of water each year.
- The Grasberg mine in West Papua, Indonesia, owned by Freeport McMoRan and Rio Tinto, is the worst offender, accounting for approximately 80 million tons of tailings dumped annually. This mine is not only responsible for polluting nearby rivers and oceans, but it also causes deforestation and endangers local wildlife.
- The Batu Hijau mine, also in Indonesia, is owned by Newmont Sumitomo Mining and dumps approximately 40 million tons of tailings into the ocean each year. This mine has been linked to the destruction of coral reefs and the displacement of local fishing communities.
- In Papua New Guinea, the Ok Tedi mine, owned by Ok Tedi Mining Ltd., dumps approximately 22 million tons of tailings into the Fly River every year. This has destroyed the river ecosystem and has caused health problems for local communities who rely on the river for drinking water and fishing.
- The Wabush/Scully mine in Labrador, Canada, owned by Cliff’s Mining Company, dumps 13 million tons of tailings into nearby bodies of water each year. This has caused significant pollution in the local waterways and has had a negative impact on the surrounding ecosystem.
These mines have a devastating impact on the environment and local communities, and we must support sustainable alternatives to traditional mining practices. By choosing sustainable and ethical jewelry made from recycled gold or Fairtrade gold, we can help reduce the demand for new mining and promote responsible mining practices.
In Summary: The top four mines that dump toxic waste account for 86% of the 180 million tons dumped into bodies of water each year.
The Impact of Gold Mining in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Gold mining is a significant industry in the DRC, and it is currently the largest producer of gold, but only 6% of gold mines are regulated. The eastern region of the DRC is home to substantial gold deposits, including the Twangiza-Namoya gold belt and the Kilo-Moto greenstone belt in the northeast. These gold mining areas are hot-beds for sexual violence and exploitation. 48 rapes occur every hour in the DRC.
Unfortunately, gold sourced from the DRC is often classified as a conflict mineral and used to finance rebel groups within the country. This is often achieved by smuggling the gold across the border to neighboring nations. IPIS estimates that between 75 and 98 percent of the gold from the DRC crosses the border into Uganda illegally.
In August 2021, the governor of South Kivu, Theo Kasi, banned six Chinese mining companies from operating within the province due to their failure to register their businesses. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs later endorsed this decision.
And in March 2022, the US Department of the Treasury imposed sanctions on African Gold Refinery Ltd., a major gold refinery located in Uganda and owned by Belgian businessman Alain Goetz. The company was accused of accepting hundreds of millions of dollars worth of gold from the DRC without verifying its origin.
The environmental impact of gold mining in the Congo is devastating. The process of mining and refining gold involves the use of harmful chemicals and processes that can pollute the air, water, and soil. The local communities are often not adequately compensated for the use of their land, leading to social unrest and displacement.
In summary: Gold sourced from the DRC is often classified as a conflict mineral and used to finance rebel groups within the country by smuggling it out to neighboring countries.
The Impact of One Gold Ring
Whether it’s for an engagement ring, wedding ring or other fine jewelry, the production of a single gold ring has a significant impact on the environment.
According to The World Gold Council, "49% of all the gold mined today is made into jewelry, which remains the single largest use for gold." The 26 tons of mine waste for one gold ring is equivalent to the weight of more than 7 African elephants. There is a site that hosts a real-time counter that tracks the tons of toxic waste produced from gold mining. The amount of waste produced is accumulated at an alarming speed.
The impact of one gold ring also extends beyond the environmental impact. The social and economic costs of producing one gold ring are also significant. As mentioned, gold mining often takes place in impoverished areas where the local communities are not adequately compensated for the use of their land. This can lead to displacement, loss of livelihoods, and social unrest.
In summary: The 26 tons of mine waste for one gold ring is equivalent to the weight of more than 7 African elephants, but the impact on communities around gold mines can’t be summed up with a number. The harm on human health because of toxic waste in the water or violence to those living around mines is destructive and a critical part of the picture in gold mining.
MiaDonna's Impact on Raising Awareness And Taking Action
As a duty to the environment and society, MiaDonna prides itself on being a fine jewelry business that intentionally uses recycled metal and conflict-free Lab Grown Diamonds. Our company's mission is to educate consumers about the negative impact of gold mining on the environment and promote ethical and sustainable alternatives.
We have been instrumental in raising awareness about the harmful effects of gold mining and the importance of ethical and sustainable alternatives. Our founder, Anna-Mieke Anderson, has been a leader in fine jewelry industry for the past twenty years, and a pioneer regarding Lab Grown Diamonds and Recycled Precious Metals.
There is no need to mine for diamonds or gold anymore. It is an outdated, ecologically ruinous industry founded on exploitation and corruption. We can now grow diamonds in a laboratory or recycle the many thousands of tons of gold already in circulation to prevent any further destruction to brutalized communities, war-torn countries or a planet already at the tipping point.
- Anna-Mieke Anderson
Our effort to educate consumers about the negative effects of gold mining includes creating informative content, as you're reading now, but also activism to counter the impact of gold mining. It is our goal to bring awareness of the harmful effects of gold mining while also supporting these affected communities. We do the latter through our charity, The Greener Diamond Foundation.
But beyond awareness, in 2022 we have created two landmark initiatives in the Congo. First, we have an Urgent Relief Program. This was created to give direct emergency relief to the mining communities. We provide the essentials such as transporation, medicine, eyecare, beds, food, and clothes.
Secondly, we have implemented sustainable educational programs. This is an initiative to get kids out of mines and into schools. Amnesty International reports that over 40,000 children work in inhumane conditions in artisanal gold mines. So while school attendance is low, child abuse and labor is high.
It is our goal to set up sustainable programs that will help communities in the DRC provide for themselves without the need for mining. Both of these programs address short and long-term efforts to support these communities in transition from the gold funded wars in the Congo.
Ethical and Sustainable Alternatives to Traditional Gold Mining
The negative impact of tailings dumping on the environment and local communities cannot be ignored. However, there are ethical and sustainable alternatives to traditional gold mining. One such alternative is Recycled Gold.
Recycled Gold is a sustainable option that has a much lower environmental impact than traditional mining. It is made from gold pieces that have been extracted from previously owned jewelry, electronics, catalytic converters, circuit boards, and other sources.
This eliminates the need for new mining and reduces the amount of waste produced. In fact, according to the World Gold Council, recycled gold accounts for approximately one-third of the total gold supply. By choosing recycled gold, you are supporting a sustainable and ethical alternative to traditional mining.
A recycled gold ring is really like upcycling or giving gold a new life. You might consider this upgrade of precious metal like the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery. One method is to do this by mending the areas of breakage with lacquer mixed with recycled gold. The whole process is called Kintsugi. The result is a stronger and more beautiful piece.
Now with rings, the gold and alloys are melted down so nothing is broken or needs mending. But the sentiment fits. The reuse of something perfectly salvageable into something beautiful is a worthy craft. The best thing is that because the casting process is the same as using earth-mined gold, and you won’t be able to tell the difference in the final product. Knowing this, why would anyone choose anything but recycled gold from here on out?
In Summary: Recycled Gold is a sustainable option that has a much lower environmental impact than traditional mining. It is made from gold pieces that have been extracted from previously owned jewelry, electronics, catalytic converters, circuit boards, and other sources.
Why MiaDonna Uses Recycled Precious Metals
The reason behind our use of recycled metal in our jewelry is because gold mining, much like diamond mining, is an unethical and outdated industry. This process harms communities, pollutes water sources, endangers workers, generates excessive waste, leaves a lasting impact on the environment and surrounding areas, and contaminates ecosystems with toxic waste, leading to widespread water pollution.
To ensure the highest level of quality and integrity, we manufacture all of our settings in the United States, rather than outsourcing them overseas. Our rings contain a greater amount of metal per piece than those of other jewelers, and are made under ethical and environmentally-friendly conditions. This guarantees that our jewelry is conflict-free and meets the highest standards.
At MiaDonna, we are working to promote sustainable and transparent practices in the jewelry industry, and Recycled Gold provides the most responsible and sustainable alternative to traditional gold mining. By supporting companies that use recycled gold in their jewelry, you can help promote ethical and sustainable mining practices, support local communities, and reduce the demand for new mining.
To document, track, and align with the highest ethical standards in business, MiaDonna has earned the coveted B corp status as a company.
This rigorous process is a third-party validation that shows consumers who we are and what we stand for. It's beyond best practices: it's a force for good.
In addition, all of our recycled gold and other precious metals are ethically sourced and have a clean supply chain. We only work with suppliers who are registered with organizations like the Responsible Jeweler's Council.
What You Can Do About The Effects Of Gold Mining
As a consumer, you have the power to make a difference by choosing to purchase ethical and sustainable jewelry made from recycled gold.
As a mission-first company, we are activists against the gold mining industry. We choose to passionately educate the consumer on various issues in jewelry production, and we hope to create a positive impact on the planet.
In Conclusion, the environmental impact of one gold ring is significant.
Water Pollution: Gold mining involves using toxic chemicals, such as cyanide and mercury, to extract gold from ore. These chemicals contaminate nearby water sources, contaminating rivers, lakes, and groundwater. Water pollution can harm aquatic life and pose risks to human health by consuming contaminated water or fish.
Deforestation: Large-scale gold mining involves clearing vast areas of forests. This destruction of forest ecosystems can result in the loss of biodiversity and disrupt local ecosystems.
Habitat Destruction: Gold mining operations destroy the habitats of various plant and animal species, leading to the displacement or extinction of native species. This loss of habitat can have long-lasting ecological consequences.
Soil Erosion: The excavation and extraction processes associated with gold mining can lead to significant soil erosion. This erosion can result in the degradation of soil quality, affecting vegetation growth and agricultural productivity in the surrounding areas.
Air Pollution: Gold mining operations can generate air pollution by releasing dust and particulate matter during blasting, drilling, and transportation activities. Additionally, burning fossil fuels for energy in mining operations contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.
Social Impacts: Gold mining can have negative social impacts on local communities. It can lead to the displacement of indigenous people from their lands, disrupt traditional livelihoods, and create social conflicts over access to resources.
The negative effects of traditional gold mining cannot be ignored. However, there are ethical and sustainable alternatives available.
By purchasing your gold ring or other fine gold jewelry at ethical stores, you can help reduce the demand for traditional gold mining, support local communities, and promote environmentally responsible practices. Let's work together to create a more sustainable and ethical future for the jewelry industry.
