Is Brilliant Earth currently working with any independent mining cooperatives in Canada or Africa?
BE: We are working with independent mining cooperatives wherever such cooperatives are active. At present, Brilliant Earth is working with mining cooperatives in Sri Lanka to supply us with sapphires and with a collection of independent gold mining cooperatives in the Chocó region of Colombia, in South America, to supply us with the world’s first source of independently certified fair trade gold. We are not aware of any active diamond mining cooperatives in Canada or Africa but strongly support the development of such initiatives. As the jewelry business looks to expand the supply of fair trade gemstones and precious metals, independent mining cooperatives must be part of the equation. The gold mining cooperatives we work with in Colombia provide a successful example of the cooperative model. The cooperatives there employ artisanal miners, many from Afro-Colombian communities, who receive fair wages. Environmental impact is minimized through careful attention to maintaining soil fertil
