SourcingMar 21, 2024
Grizzly Sells 4,145-Carat Emerald for Over $1MPolicies & IssuesMar 27, 2024
Mercury Free Mining Hires Bernadette Mack
The former WJA executive director is MFM’s new managing director.
Bernadette Mack, who previously served as executive director of the WJA, has been hired as managing director of nonprofit Mercury Free Mining.
Corvallis, Ore.— Nonprofit Mercury Free Mining (MFM) has hired Bernadette Mack as its managing director, a newly created position.
Founded in 2017, the organization works to eradicate mercury use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM).
Mack’s hiring comes as part of the company’s planned expansion of programming and outreach.
In her career of two decades, Mack has gained experience in the nonprofit sector and the jewelry industry, as well as expertise in the development of nonprofit operations, fundraising, marketing, and communication.
She served as executive director of the Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) from 2012-2019 and has spent the last four years operating a private consultancy firm with clients including environmental groups, museums, theaters, an historical society, and a variety of small businesses.
Her skills will aid the organization in its mission to protect people and the environment from the toxic effects of mercury pollution from artisanal gold mining, MFM said.
In her new role, she will create operational systems as well as new outreach and funding pathways to support MFM’s future growth.
“We couldn’t be happier that Bernadette has joined our team and mission. Her passion for nonprofit work and deep knowledge of organizational management are exactly what we need right now,” said Toby Pomeroy, MFM’s founder and executive director.
Related stories will be right here …
Founded in 2017, the organization works to eradicate mercury use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM).
Mack’s hiring comes as part of the company’s planned expansion of programming and outreach.
In her career of two decades, Mack has gained experience in the nonprofit sector and the jewelry industry, as well as expertise in the development of nonprofit operations, fundraising, marketing, and communication.
She served as executive director of the Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) from 2012-2019 and has spent the last four years operating a private consultancy firm with clients including environmental groups, museums, theaters, an historical society, and a variety of small businesses.
Her skills will aid the organization in its mission to protect people and the environment from the toxic effects of mercury pollution from artisanal gold mining, MFM said.
In her new role, she will create operational systems as well as new outreach and funding pathways to support MFM’s future growth.
“We couldn’t be happier that Bernadette has joined our team and mission. Her passion for nonprofit work and deep knowledge of organizational management are exactly what we need right now,” said Toby Pomeroy, MFM’s founder and executive director.
Mack's appointment marks a “crucial phase of growth,” MFM said, and comes amid the start of new projects in Colombia and Sierra Leone, where the company continues to pursue its goal of eliminating the need to use mercury in artisanal gold mining by using a technology called Goldrop.
Initiatives in the countries stated above are underway to prove the technology’s effectiveness and practicality in real-world mining conditions, and ultimately establish Goldrop as the mining industry standard.
The technology behind Goldrop was invented by John Richmond of Sluice Goose Industries and patented in the U.S. in 2018.
It uses the elutriation process (precipitating out particles by means of an upward current of fluid, often water or air) to separate gold, including all heavy elements and minerals, from mineral concentrate and tailings, Pomeroy told National Jeweler via email while he was field-testing the technology in Ghana in 2020.
“For years we’ve been working toward our vision of eradicating mercury use among artisanal and small-scale gold miners. With the discovery of the highly efficient Goldrop® technology, we feel we’re on the cusp of seeing our vision become reality,” said Pomeroy.
“This is the ideal time for us to bring on an expert in nonprofit management to help us scale our operations to make huge strides in eliminating the use of mercury pollution from gold mining.”
Mack added, “This mission is important and achievable - so to help advance what Toby, his supporters, and colleagues have built feels like a golden opportunity for me.”
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
CollectionsApr 25, 2025
Sylvie Looks to Water in New Sculptural Bridal Collection“Shell Auranova” is the next generation of the brand’s bridal line, featuring half-bezel engagement rings with bold and fluid designs.
FinancialsApr 25, 2025
Kering’s Jewelry Brands Persevere as Q1 Sales Sink 14%Boucheron and Pomellato performed well in an otherwise bleak quarter for Kering amid struggles at Gucci.
EditorsApr 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Deborah Meyers Experience’s ‘The Birds’ EarringsDesigner Deborah Meyers created her birds from oxidized sterling silver, rose-cut diamond eyes, and Akoya Keshi pearl feathers.
Brought to you by
Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program Announces Second Cohort of Aspiring Jewelry Entrepreneurs Six new retail businesses were selected for the 2025 program, which began in January.
SourcingApr 25, 2025
De Beers Sales, Production Fall in Q1 Amid UncertaintyThe company said it expects sightholders to remain “cautious” with their purchasing due to all the unknowns around the U.S. tariffs.
Weekly QuizApr 24, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Supplier BulletinApr 24, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
EditorsApr 24, 2025
Q&A: Wolf’s CEO Talks U.S. ExpansionSimon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessThe risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.
IndependentsApr 24, 2025
Longtime Iowa Jeweler Herman Ginsberg Dies at 99 A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.
FinancialsApr 24, 2025
Charles & Colvard Delisted From Nasdaq Due to NoncomplianceThe company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.
SourcingApr 24, 2025
Young Diamantaires Transition to NonprofitThe organization also announced its board of directors.
TrendsApr 24, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: So CharmingCharms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
Bulgari Doubles Size of Jewelry Factory in ItalyLocated in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.
Events & AwardsApr 23, 2025
PDPaola Creative Director Wins FGI’s ‘Rising Star’ AwardPaola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.
AuctionsApr 23, 2025
Rare Custom Rolex Daytona Heads to AuctionA platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
David Yurman’s New Campaign Stars Carmelo Anthony, Jaylen BrownThe basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.
MajorsApr 22, 2025
Zales’ Rebrand Takes Playful Approach to Fine JewelryThe Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.
AuctionsApr 22, 2025
Christie’s to Auction JAR Jewelry CollectionThe 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.
ColumnistsApr 22, 2025
The PR Adviser: Building Buzz Through Word of MouthLilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.
GradingApr 22, 2025
Avi Levy Is GCAL By Sarine’s New Chief Growth OfficerGCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.
IndependentsApr 22, 2025
Brinker’s Jewelers Acquires Fellow IndependentThe Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
An Exhibition Exploring the History of Cartier Is Now on Display“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” opened earlier this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
New York Jeweler to Close After 111 YearsVan Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
IJO Names New Director of Vendor Relations, Merchandise StrategyIndustry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
Jewelers of Louisiana, Mississippi Jewelers Association to Co-Host ConventionThe two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.
Events & AwardsApr 18, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las VegasThe entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.
CollectionsApr 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: Dukachi’s ‘Easter Bread’ PendantThe Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.
