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.”
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
CrimeOct 01, 2026
Police Looking for 4 Suspects in $600K Smash-and-Grab RobberyDubai Jewelers in Springfield, Virginia, was once again the target of an armed robbery.
SurveysOct 01, 2026
Rolex Ranks Among Most Recommended Brands in US, Survey Says YouGov’s 2026 U.S. Most Recommended Brands report’s out, and a fast-fashion giant is sitting at No. 1 while Rolex is just shy of the top 5.
SourcingOct 01, 2026
Columbia Gem House Opens ‘Cutting Toward Change’ FundraiserProceeds from its jewelry raffle will benefit an organization working in India to combat silicosis, a lung disease affecting stone cutters.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
TrendsOct 01, 2026
Carolina Hurricanes’ Championship Ring Reveals Hidden Hockey Puck PendantThe rings, crafted by Jason of Beverly Hills, celebrate the hockey team’s Stanley Cup win with design elements that honor its traditions.
Weekly QuizSep 25, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsOct 01, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: October’s Color Range This roundup of birthstone jewelry for October features vibrant tourmalines and opals with personality.
SourcingSep 30, 2026
Botswana’s President, De Beers CEO Say Diamond Demand Is RecoveringPresident Duma Boko spoke at back-to-back events in the city last week, touting Botswana’s stability and the diamond “bounceback.”
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
CollectionsSep 30, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Holiday Book Is ‘A Living Archive’ The catalog showcases 112 new, one-of-a-kind pieces amid highlights from the jeweler’s historic archive.
SourcingSep 30, 2026
Gemfields Posts $98.5M Loss, Writes Down Value of Ruby MineIts Montepuez Ruby Mining operation in Mozambique, which is not yielding enough high-quality rubies, has taken a $125 million hit.
SurveysSep 30, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls to 12-Year Low in SeptemberThose surveyed were worried about the present and the future, with write-in responses mentioning high oil and gas prices.
Events & AwardsSep 30, 2026
Jewelers of America, JA New York to Host Networking EventThe event will take place on the evening of Oct. 26 in New York City.
IndependentsSep 29, 2026
Christy Bromberg, Longtime Gift Buyer for Underwood Jewelers, Dies at 68She is remembered for her joie de vivre, upbeat personality, genuine interest in other people, and love of the Alabama Crimson Tide.
AuctionsSep 29, 2026
Dionne Warwick’s Jewelry Goes Up for AuctionOnline bidding is open now for Julien’s sale of items owned by the “Walk On By” singer, whose final album comes out this fall.
Events & AwardsSep 29, 2026
Matt Stuller to Receive 2027 Gem Award for Lifetime AchievementThe founder and executive chairman of Stuller Inc. is being honored for his impact on the jewelry industry at the 25th annual Gem Awards.
ColumnistsSep 29, 2026
Your Holiday Marketing Has a Bridal Blind SpotDecember is the most popular month to propose, and jewelers need to keep that in mind when planning their holiday marketing.
AuctionsSep 29, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction Wednesday.
CollectionsSep 28, 2026
De Beers London Drops Water-Inspired High Jewelry Collection“Vibrations” features several firsts for De Beers’ high jewelry, including the use of chalcedony and diamonds sourced from artisanal miners.
CollectionsSep 28, 2026
Jessica McCormack Turns to Classic Motif for New CollectionThe “Bows” collection features three interpretations of the bow motif designed with Georgian and Victorian influences.
Events & AwardsSep 28, 2026
Guy Borenstein, Troy Underwood Among the Professionals Honored at AGS Conclave 2026The American Gem Society recognized industry members, one Guild, and a law enforcement official for their contributions to jewelry.
FinancialsSep 28, 2026
Instappraise, Jewelers Mutual Look to Simplify Jewelry InsuranceThrough a new system integration, customers can now receive instant personal jewelry insurance quotes at the time of appraisal.
WatchesSep 25, 2026
Smaller Rolex Watches Showing Strength on Secondary Market, Data ShowsFive of the 10 fastest-appreciating Rolex models on Bob’s Watches were Datejust 31 or Lady Datejust watches.
MajorsSep 25, 2026
Sherwood Family Buys Back Daniel’s Jewelers from Private EquityThe Sherwood family and AJS Creations CEO Tejas Shah purchased the jewelry chain back from Palladium Equity Partners.
Lab-GrownSep 25, 2026
Brilliant Earth Collabs with Elizabeth Taylor Estate on Jewelry Collection“The Elizabeth Taylor Collection” uses lab-grown diamonds and gemstones in contemporary designs inspired by the icon.
TrendsSep 25, 2026
A Peek at Taylor Swift’s Game-Day DiamondsThe artist wore Dana Rebecca Designs’ marquise diamond-set gold hoops at the Chiefs game last Sunday. Now they’re our Piece of the Week.
CrimeSep 24, 2026
From Conclave: Security Measures Jewelers Should Be TakingJSA and Jewelers Mutual shared advice on spotting suspicious behavior, combatting cell phone jammers, and staying safe at home.
