Gold is an essential material in smartphones and other electronics. Its scarcity and unique properties make it one of the world’s most valuable metals. But gold mining practices, especially at the artisanal level, require major changes to improve the safety and well-being of the miners.
Contribute to more responsible gold mining in Uganda
Prevent/reduce child labor by tackling the issues at the root of the problem
Increase economic prosperity with improved mining equipment and capacity building trainings
Provide long-term, sustainable access to international markets
Monitor and share results to expand impact and encourage other supply chains and industries to replicate best practices
We believe in creating a positive impact in the regions that most urgently need improvements. That’s why we’ve formed an innovative partnership with Hivos/Stop Child Labour (SCL), UNICEF, Fairtrade Foundation, Royal Philips, and Solidaridad to proactively support more responsible gold sourcing. By combining our expertise in the areas of preventing child labor, improving working conditions and providing a clear path to market, we aim to work with artisanal and small-scale mines (ASM) in Uganda to establish a sustainable, traceable gold supply chain that creates a better future for miners and their families.
This partnership is made possible thanks to the support of Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).
It’s one of the first gold-related partnerships that’s bringing together NGOs and electronics manufacturers to address both ends of the supply chain, from mining to integrating the resulting gold into our products.
Read moreLast Monday, members of the Fairphone team were in The Hague for the signing of a gold covenant, which aims to increase the supply of responsibly sourced gold…
Read moreSmartphones contain dozens of minerals sourced from every corner of the globe, including gold, which is commonly used in printed circuit boards…
Read moreUganda has a historic gold mining tradition and a large concentration of artisanal and small-scale mines (ASM).
Most of Uganda’s gold mining activities are unlicensed. This can lead to smuggling, human rights abuses, environmental damage and major health concerns.
An estimated 50,000 small-scale miners work in Uganda’s gold mines. Up to 30% (15,000 people) might be children.
Child labor is a significant issue throughout Uganda, driven by high levels of poverty and an education system with limited resources.
For more information or interview requests regarding this partnership, please contact:
Fairphone – Fabian Hühne
Fairtrade Foundation – Emily McCoy
Solidaridad Network – Bram Verkerke
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