Mercury Free Mining Hires Bernadette Mack
The former WJA executive director is MFM’s new managing director.

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.”
The Latest

The jewelry and accessories retailer said its stores will remain open during the proceedings.

Its Springfield, Massachusetts, store is set to close as owner Andrew Smith heads into retirement.

Designer Hiba Husayni looked to the whale’s melon shaped-head, blowhole, and fluke for her new chunky gold offerings.

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

She will present the 23rd edition of the trend forecasting book at Vicenzaoro on Sept. 7.


Omar Roy, 72, was arrested in connection with the murder of jeweler Dionisio Carlos Valladares.

The New Orleans-based brand’s “Beyond Katrina” jewels honor the communities affected by the storm.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

Lilian Raji explains why joining an affiliate network is essential for brands seeking placements in U.S. consumer publications.

The organization has awarded a total of $42,000 through its scholarship programs this year.

The winner of the inaugural David Yurman Gem Awards Grant will be announced live at the 2026 Gem Awards gala.

As summer winds down, celebrate the sunny disposition of the month’s birthstones: peridot and spinel.

Moshe Haimoff, a social media personality and 47th Street retailer, was robbed of $559,000 worth of jewelry by men in construction outfits.

Xavier Dibbrell brings more than a decade of experience to the role.

The addition of Yoakum, who will lead Kay and Peoples, was one of three executive appointments Signet announced Thursday.

The insurance company’s previous president and CEO, Scott Murphy, has split his role and will continue as CEO.

The nearly six-month pause of operations at its Kagem emerald mine earlier this year impacted the miner’s first-half results.

The necklace uses spinel drops to immortalize the moment Aphrodite’s tears mixed with her lover Adonis’ blood after he was fatally wounded.

The diamond miner and marketer warned last week that it expected to be in the red after significantly cutting prices in Q2.

Jewelers of America’s 35th annual design contest recognized creativity, artistry, style, and excellence.

Tratner succeeds Andie Weinman, who will begin stepping back from the buying group’s day-to-day operations.

The luxury titan’s star brand Gucci continued to struggle amid a "tough" environment.

Its opening marks the completion of the retailer’s new 11,000-square-foot store in the Texas capital.

Respondents shared concerns about tariffs and commentary on the “Big Beautiful Bill.”

“Making a Killing in Diamonds” tells the story of Mimi Rosen, the disappearance of a scientist, and the murder of lab-grown diamond CEO.

Senior Editor Lenore Fedow learned a lot when she took a behind-the-scenes factory tour with the jewelry brand earlier this year.

The first-time exhibitors, set to debut at the New York City show, share a devotion to craftsmanship, storytelling, and material integrity.