Policies & IssuesNov 11, 2020
Lashbrook Signs on As Mercury-Free Mining Premier SponsorPolicies & IssuesAug 16, 2021
GIA Awards $50K Grant to Mercury-Free Mining, ARM
The money will be used to evaluate ore-testing processes at an artisanal gold mining site in Peru.
Carlsbad, Calif.—Mercury-Free Mining and the Alliance for Responsible Mining have received a $50,000 grant from GIA that will aid in reaching a larger goal—eliminating the use of mercury in gold mining worldwide.
Announced via news release last week, GIA’s grant will go toward evaluating ore-testing processes at an artisanal gold mining site in Ananea, Peru that could significantly reduce, or even eliminate, the inadvertent release of toxic mercury by artisanal gold miners worldwide.
The Ananea project is part of ARM’s Sustainable Mines Program, built on the CRAFT Code and the Fairmined standard, giving miners the ability to access formal markets as well as the opportunity to improve their mining practices.
GIA’s grant will support the export and testing of gold ore samples from Ananea, located in the Puno Region, high in the Andes Mountains. The money will also go toward improved livelihoods for the miners by helping to create transparent supply chains of certified, traceable, mercury-free gold.
The Ananea samples will be sent to innovative processors in the United States, Colombia, and Peru for scientific analysis and testing to determine each processor’s efficiency compared with the miners’ traditional use of mercury.
Related stories will be right here …
Announced via news release last week, GIA’s grant will go toward evaluating ore-testing processes at an artisanal gold mining site in Ananea, Peru that could significantly reduce, or even eliminate, the inadvertent release of toxic mercury by artisanal gold miners worldwide.
The Ananea project is part of ARM’s Sustainable Mines Program, built on the CRAFT Code and the Fairmined standard, giving miners the ability to access formal markets as well as the opportunity to improve their mining practices.
GIA’s grant will support the export and testing of gold ore samples from Ananea, located in the Puno Region, high in the Andes Mountains. The money will also go toward improved livelihoods for the miners by helping to create transparent supply chains of certified, traceable, mercury-free gold.
The Ananea samples will be sent to innovative processors in the United States, Colombia, and Peru for scientific analysis and testing to determine each processor’s efficiency compared with the miners’ traditional use of mercury.
Based upon the findings, the miners can choose to implement a pilot program using one or more of the processors. They then will determine for themselves the effectiveness, suitability, and potential financial and health benefits to their communities.
In addition, a project report will be submitted to GIA and used for an article in a future issue of Gems & Gemology.
In the release, the organizations called GIA’s grant a “significant move by the U.S. jewelry industry to proactively address the problem of mercury pollution that is widely associated with subsistence gold mining.”
MFM Executive Director Toby Pomeroy said: “We’re delighted that this GIA grant supports the discovery and implementation of efficient gold ore concentration methods that may help free millions of subsistence gold miners from their dependence on the marginal increases in efficiency that mercury provides.
“It’s exciting to be working for the well-being of miners and the Earth in partnership with these impactful organizations.”
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
AuctionsDec 18, 2025
Audemars Piguet Reclaims Historic Pocket Watch at AuctionIt purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.
Supplier BulletinDec 18, 2025
Cell Jammers Are Targeting Your Business. Here's How to Beat ThemSponsored by Digital Monitoring Products
EditorsDec 18, 2025
Terry Chandler Looks Back on 40 Years of Opportunity, Change, and FriendsChandler got his start at Michelson Jewelers and has served as DCA president and CEO since 2001. He will retire at the end of the month.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
WatchesDec 18, 2025
Bob’s Watches to Open Store in New York’s JFK AirportThe boutique is slated to open this week inside Terminal 8, offering pre-owned Rolex watches and more to international travelers.
Weekly QuizDec 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Lab-GrownDec 18, 2025
Kira Jewels Debuts Custom Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry ServiceThe lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.
CrimeDec 17, 2025
Man Pleads Not Guilty to Swallowing Fabergé PendantThe special-edition egg pendant ingested in a New Zealand jewelry store was recovered after a six-day wait.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
EditorsDec 17, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: The Best Piece of the Week PicksAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco plays favorites with Piece of the Week, selecting a standout piece of jewelry from each month of 2025.
CollectionsDec 17, 2025
Lucy Hale Stars in Jacquie Aiche’s Holiday CampaignThe “Love and Desire” campaign is inspired by the magic that follows when one’s heart leads the way, said the brand.
GradingDec 17, 2025
SSEF Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersTwo awardees will receive free tuition for an educational course at the Swiss lab, with flights and lodging included.
MajorsDec 16, 2025
Pandora’s New CEO Will Step Up EarlyBerta de Pablos-Barbier will replace Alexander Lacik at the start of January, two months earlier than expected.
AuctionsDec 16, 2025
Suzanne Belperron, JAR Shine in Sotheby’s First Auctions at New HQSotheby’s held its first two jewelry sales at the Breuer building last week, and they totaled nearly $44 million.
Events & AwardsDec 16, 2025
TJS Now Accepting Scholarship Applications for 2026Winners will receive free registration and lodging for its fourth annual event in Detroit.
ColumnistsDec 16, 2025
Beyond Unboxing: Creative Reveals to Drive Reach and EngagementHere are six ideas for making more engaging content for Instagram Reels and TikTok, courtesy of Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams.
Events & AwardsDec 16, 2025
Diamonds Do Good Names 2026 Award RecipientsThe honorees include a notable jewelry brand, an industry veteran, and an independent retailer.
CrimeDec 15, 2025
Men Receive Life Sentences in Home Invasion Murder of Jeweler Carlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in the 2024 murder of Hussein “Sam” Murray.
IndependentsDec 15, 2025
M.S. Rau to Open Store in AspenThe New Orleans jeweler is also hosting pop-up jewelry boutiques in New York City and Dallas.
AuctionsDec 12, 2025
13.54-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Sets Records at Christie’sSet in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.
MajorsDec 12, 2025
David Webb Reveals Ice-Cold Holiday Window DisplayThe jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
Events & AwardsDec 12, 2025
IGI Jewelry Design Contest Now Accepting SubmissionsThis year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”
TrendsDec 11, 2025
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More GemstonesStarting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth StoreThe 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.
MajorsDec 11, 2025
Americas Gold Releases New Gold Chain CatalogThe new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
