Bolivian Fair Trade Gold For Artisan Wedding Rings
Cotapata Mine
Ten percent of the fair trade gold that makes Artisan Wedding Rings engagement rings and wedding rings comes from Cotapata, a mining cooperative located in the northwest region of Bolivia. Cotapata was established by small scale artisan miners in 1991, at an altitude of about 15,000 feet. The cooperative currently consists of 88 workers, including 10 women. The underground, hard rock mine produces 2.5 kilos of gold monthly.
The mine is highly organized and widely recognized for its pursuit of responsible mining practices developed over many years. It is one of only a few small scale gold mining cooperatives that works within a totally closed loop system which enables complete mercury recovery.
It’s location in the Cotapata National Park has raised some concern from some environmentalists who follow the fair trade gold initiative. Yet it is important to note here that the park was established after the mine already existed. The support of international standards at this mine actually assures greater support for responsible mining practices that protect the environment in the park.
Photographic images on this page courtesy of www.patrickschein.com/us
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