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UK News

Churches asked to push Fairtrade gold

The Fairtrade Foundation is launching its 'I Do' campaign with the aim of raising money and improving conditions for those who mine for gold.

The group says an estimated $1 million (£650,000) in Fairtrade Premium could be generated through 50,000 couples choosing 100,000 Fairtrade gold wedding rings.

That money could then be invested in improving education, healthcare and livelihoods for some of the poorest mining communities across the world.

The Fairtrade Foundation wants churches to lead the way in encouraging those getting married in their buildings to think about buying responsibly sourced rings.

Amy Ross, Project Manager for Fairtrade gold, said: "The Church's role is as significant today as it ever was as we continue to fight to bring the benefits to those who need it the most.

"In the early days of Fairtrade, Christian organisations, in partnership with development agencies, helped Fairtrade's journey from marginal to mainstream. It is now time to do the same for Fairtrade Gold."

The campaign was launched this morning with a human ring of gold formed on the steps of St Paul's Cathedral.

Retired Anglican bishop Rt Revd Michael Doe, who's also the chair of the Ecumenical Council for Corporate Responsibility was there to give his support.

Speaking to Premier he raised concerns that people don't know enough about where their rings come from.

He said: "I don't think people realise that other things are going on connected to that Gold.

"Bodies are involved, bodies of miners which have often been injured and sometimes lost. Often young people, even children, in the mining process.

"Although [the couple] is using it for giving it's also a sign of taking; taking away the lives and the environment from where that gold has been mined."

Jeweller Jon Dibben is also giving his backing to the campaign. Speaking to Premier, he said: "It's a bit of a 'why wouldn't you?' for me.

"The costs to get Fairtrade are so little I think it's a no-brainer that you would chose something that has the power to do so much good. Especially when you buy something as important and emotive as a pair of wedding rings."

Miners who produce Fairtrade gold can earn a premium of 15% on top of their sale price when they recover and process gold without the use of harmful chemicals such as mercury and cyanide. Child and forced labour is prohibited under Fairtrade standards, and Fairtrade monitoring stamps it out wherever it is found.

Hear Bishop Michael Doe speaking to Premier's Marcus Jones from a windy St Paul's Cathedral:

Listen to Jon Dibben speaking to Premier's Marcus Jones from a windy St Paul's Cathedral:

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