People are being offered a priceless opportunity to find out more about Fairtrade Gold.
An exhibition will be touring East Dunbartonshire during October to raise awareness of the world's first independent ethical certification system for gold.
As well as displaying informative photographs, the exhibition will explain how Fairtrade Gold improves the lives of miners and stops exploitation.
The exhibition is being held for a week in each location (during opening hours), beginning:
- 1 October – St Mary’s Parish Church, Kirkintilloch
- 7 October – Fellowship Hall, Springfield Cambridge Church, Bishopbriggs
- 14 October – Gavin’s Mill, Milngavie
- 21 October – Baljaffray Parish Church, Bearsden
The tour has been organised by East Dunbartonshire Fair Trade Steering Group and the launch event is being held on Monday 1 October at 7pm in St Mary’s Parish Church, Cowgate, Kirkintilloch, G66 1JT. It is open to all – everyone welcome.
It will be opened by Martin Rhodes, Chief Executive of the Scottish Fairtrade Forum, who will talk about the importance of Fairtrade Gold.
A spokesperson for East Dunbartonshire Fair Trade Steering Group said, “Fairtrade Gold is the world's first independent ethical certification system for gold.
“Buying Fairtrade Gold makes a real difference to the lives of miners, their families and communities. It means that small-scale and artisanal miners are paid a fair price, giving them financial security.
“You can be reassured that they work in fair conditions and are not forced to use toxic chemicals which are harmful to health.”
East Dunbartonshire Council is a supporter of Fair Trade efforts locally – working with communities, organisations and traders.
Councillor Susan Murray, Vice Convener of the Council’s Place, Neighbourhood & Corporate Assets Committee, said, "Well done to East Dunbartonshire Fair Trade Steering Group for organising this fascinating exhibition on Fairtrade Gold.
“I hope as many people as possible can spare the time to attend and find out more about how this initiative is helping to protect people working in often dangerous conditions with little or no health and safety equipment.”
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/eastdunbartonshirefairtrade and www.fairtrade.org.uk/Farmers-and-Workers/Gold
- 90% of gold miners are small-scale, with 100 million people worldwide depending on small-scale mining for their survival
- In non-Fairtrade small-scale gold mines, accident rates are high with miners carrying out physically demanding work in unsupported pits and poorly-lit underground tunnels. It is without doubt one of the most dangerous jobs in the world.
- With mining laws mainly geared towards large scale organisations, small-scale mining tends to be conducted informally with poor regulation and little support for miners.
- In Fairtrade certified mines, the health and safety of miners is a priority. They are provided with mandatory protective equipment, and receive appropriate safety and first aid training.
- Fairtrade experts provide advice and support to miners to reduce the use of mercury and other chemicals. Fairtrade certified mines also follow local laws which protect the environment and are required to restore mined sites.
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