What are the benefits of Sustainable mining?

Mining, if operated unsustainably, can significantly impact natural habitats, pollutes water systems, and harms downstream environments. It can also contribute to air pollution and health issues, and may lead to community displacement while disregarding social accountability principles.

Sustainable mining, instead, aims at reducing environmental impact and it ensures that mine sites are left in a condition suitable for reuse by ecosystems and communities. Purchasing products and raw materials from mines certified sustainable by Friend of the Earth standards not only supports conservation efforts and reduces environmental pollution but also ensures the well-being of workers throughout the mining and processing chain.

How do you become a certified mining company?

Friend of the Earth’s Sustainable mining certification is granted following a third-party audit to verify that the product conforms to specific sustainable mining standards and requirements. Inspections are carried out yearly by qualified auditors of accredited international certification bodies.

Your Company can apply by filling out the below Preliminary Information Form.

Requirements

The requirements that companies must meet to obtain Friend of the Earth certification for Sustainable mining include:

• Environmental Impact Assessment
• A well organised environmental management procedure
• A system of protection of the ecosystem and the implementation of areas dedicated to the conservation of wild flora and fauna
• Waste Management
• Energy Management
• Water Management
• Social responsibility

Apply

As a first step you need to download, compile and return to info@friendoftheearth.org the preliminary information form (PIF):

• The PIF does not oblige the applying company to commit to proceeding with the audit phase.
• Any checks before the audit are free of charge.
• All information will be kept strictly confidential.

Pricelist

The cost of certification is composed of the Audit Cost (which will be estimated and quoted by an independent certification body, following receipt of the online Preliminary Information Form, and a yearly royalties fee. On first year royalties have to be contributed to, independently of the outcome of the audit, as administrative costs, to cover project expenses. The yearly royalties fees for Friend of the Earth’s mining certifications of one mining product (eg: minerals or gems) are calcultated as one thousandth of the company’s revenue in the previous year. A maximum fee of 20 thousands Euros per mining product is charged, for companies with revenue over 20M Euros.For a formal quotation, please fill out the Preliminary Information Form above.