Many in our industry believe that recycled metal is the most responsible option, and for many reasons, it can be. But recycling without provenance diminishes its credentials. Are there alternative metal sourcing options that support our planet and the people in our supply chains? Yes.
Single Mine Origin (SMO) Gold provides full provenance of their gold by linking every gram directly to the specific mine where it was produced. Unlike most gold, which is blended from multiple sources before refining, SMO gold remains segregated and audited from the original mine through to the finished product. Choosing SMO gold for your jewellery means you have transparency and assurance that the mines are operating in a responsible way, in harmony with the environment, fauna and population.
We offer two main sources of SMO gold:
The Bellevue mine in western Australia operates using renewable energy and has achieved net zero Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions for its onsite mining and power use. It also puts 'people' at the heart of its endeavours - through on going consultation and engagement, Bellevue ensures the identification, respect, and protection of culturally significant sites throughout its operations through the Cultural Heritage Management Plan, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship with Indigenous communities. It also fosters diversity and inclusion through various initiatives, including Indigenous trainee programs, gender pay gap audits, and flexible work arrangements. The organisation has appointed 'Diversity Ambassadors' to work on & promote diversity initiatives and ensure inclusive practices across the workforce.
The Sabodala-Massawa mine in Senegal, north Africa, is known for its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, putting 'planet' at he heart of its operation. Sabodala-Massawa’s dedication to local empowerment, community development, and environmental conservation sets it apart as a leader in responsible gold production. It leads initiatives to protect the West African Chimpanzee and other native wildlife. Conservation efforts include building protective barriers and providing watering holes for wildlife, ensuring a balance between mining activities and natural habitats, making biodiversity a cornerstone of its operations.
SMO gold has strong environmental, social and governance performance with an emphasis on community investment, environmental projects and working conditions, as well as working to internationally recognised standards such as the World Gold Council’s Responsible Gold Mining Principles.
"No new mines" is a compelling rallying cry for the jewellery industry but it is likely there will alway be a demand for fresh gold (as well as other metals). So we believe that diversifying demand and supporting mines which revolutionise the way mining should be conducted will encourage other operations to increase their safeguards and sustainable practices, improving the standards of sourcing in all industries that rely on mined metals.
Each of our metal options have their own story, impact and advantages, and choosing between them can feel complex. We’re always happy to talk through the options and help you find the metal that best suits your values and your project. Get in touch for more information on this and any other topics you have been wondering about.
