green leaf gold - fair trade and green mining
DESCRIPTION
overview of Green Leaf Gold, a new green and fair trade mining businessTRANSCRIPT
Fair Trade and Green Mining
May 2013
Presentation by Larry Bohlen, President
Green Leaf Gold
Mission of Green Leaf Gold Bring Fair Trade,
ecologically mined gold to the jewelry market.
Train miners how to reduce and eliminate mercury pollution.
Publicize the green, Fair Trade, triple bottom line model to transform the mining industry.
Triple Bottom Line
A business focused on people, profit and the planet.
Investors, employees, customers and the environment benefit from clean and ethical practices
a.k.a. socially responsible, eco-entrepreneurial, ethical
Fair Trade Standard for Gold Issued for gold in March 2010 Similar to coffee, chocolate,
clothing and bananas Requires fair wages and work
conditions Emphasizes green production Provides 10-15% bonus to
miners as an incentive Green Leaf Gold is first in U.S.
to seek certification
Green Leaf Gold Will Address: Pollution Poverty Profitability of the green and Fair Trade
model
Problem: Pollution
Mercury used to mine gold is burned and released into the air, about 1400 tons/yr!
Falls into the water.
Enters the food supply for people and animals.
Problem: Gold mining is now the largest source of mercury pollution
Solution: Mercury Reduction
Miners can use a “retort” to capture and recycle 90% of mercury used
Gravity tables and centrifuges can eliminate mercury use.
Problem: Poverty 20 million small and
artisanal miners seek a living from gold.
Majority of gold is located in the poorest areas of the world.
Wages are extremely low – less than $2,000/yr – but gold prices are high!
Lack of awareness, technical support, and funds leads to open air use of mercury, poisoning workers and families.
Solution: Fair Wages and Sustainable Development Green Leaf Gold pays a
living wage of at least $300/month (while many miners only receive $150/month)
Provides health care, insurance against injury and investment in local community.
Will help miners develop secondary businesses that outlive the mine to ensure sustainability.
Profitability Going green and implementing
Fair Trade practices can cost more. Equipment and training are an issue.
Fair Trade standard provides minimum of 15% over market price for gold. This helps to pay for the added costs.
By applying the premium to restoration and to worker well-being, issues that stop many from succeeding can be avoided.
Green and Fair Trade Jewelry A number of jewelers
offer Green and Fair Trade jewelry and the field is growing
See links at www.GreenLeafGold.com
Green and Fair Trade Bullion!Experiments in Green and
Fair Trade investment grade bullion include:
HARMONY “Hooverand” recycled coins and ingots
Artisanal Gold Council coin
But, no ETF, mutual funds, or angel funds!
Building the New Fair and Green Gold Economy Recycle old jewelry to reduce
demand for newly mined material
Buy green, ethical, and Fair Trade jewelry
If you invest in gold, look for green and Fair Trade bullion products or help develop this new market with your own product!
Join us at: Facebook.com/GreenLeafGold
Resources Alliance for Responsible Mining
Artisanal Gold Council
Fair Jewelry Action
www.GreenLeafGold.com/Resources