Fairmined Gold: Your Responsible Gold Partner

The Austrian Gold and Silver Separating Plant, ÖGUSSA, has been the main supplier of gold to domestic jewellery makers for over 150 years. Since 2015 we have been proud holders of the “RJC Chain of Custody” certificate for our 100% recycled metals, and we guarantee the physical traceability of our certified, conflict-free supply chain with batch-based certificates from accredited third-party authors. RJC is the Responsible Jewellery Council, a not-for-profit organisation based in London, which sets strict ethical, social and environmental standards.

Gold of Which You Can be Proud

Most of our precious metals come from the recycling of scrap metals in Europe. This so-called urban mining not only saves resources; it is also superior in respect of social standards and environmental impact. ÖGUSSA therefore fundamentally accepts no mined material and makes an exception only for material from Fairtrade and Fairmined sources on the basis of social responsibility. Indeed, small-scale mining represents only 10% of gold mining worldwide, yet it offers 90% of the jobs and consequently constitutes the livelihood of around 10 million miners.

Fairmined gold is certified gold from responsible small-scale mining, currently from mines in Peru, Colombia and Mongolia. It meets the “Fairmined Standard” developed by the Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM), which promotes social development and environmental conservation in small-scale mining. Certified mining organisations receive a minimum price and a Fairmined premium, which contributes to improvement of the living and working conditions of small-scale mining families.

ÖGUSSA is committed to guaranteeing a sustainable, fair and responsible supply chain for gold currently being mined and to supporting positive changes in mining communities in emerging and developing countries. Since February 2016, as “Authorised Operator AT20012”, we have been proud to offer Fairmined gold for our industrial and commercial customers. By choosing Fairmined gold, you are actively contributing to the promotion of ethics and sustainability in the gold industry.