The Power of Responsibly Sourced Gold

USAVE
USAVE
Aug 31, 2018 · 3 min read

The gold mining industry has a deep history of controversies at the source. It was 260 years ago when the California Gold Rush first picked up — resulting in the arrival of 300,000 prospectors on the west coast of the United States. While the huge pickup on mining the ore led to worldwide economic stimulation, and the birth of the ‘California Dream’ that promised riches to those who made their way to the Golden State, the rush wasn’t without its consequences.

The mining had huge environmental and human impacts in California. Gravel, silt and toxic chemicals from prospecting operations led to the destruction of the nature around the district, and it was the local civilians who were ultimately made to pay for it.

Land was taken away in favour of settlers, and their hunter-gatherer lifestyle was destroyed by the death of any animals that hadn’t deserted the wasteland; and being seen as an impediment to prospectors, settlers took it upon themselves to murder as many natives as they could. Between 1846 and 1873, it’s believed that approximately 9,000–16,000 native Californians were killed by non-natives.

History lesson over, but quarter of a millennium later the same problems persist. Increased forced labour and heavy environmental impacts have tainted the reputation of the gold mining industry when it can be avoided quite easily.

However, even today, with Uganda recently experiencing its own gold rush, following on from the likes of the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Africa — corruption, conflict, human rights abuse and environmental damage continue to plague mining districts — and have done so ever since the 49ers made their mark in America in the mid 1800’s.

Yet, the integration of blockchain into the mining industry means that every step of the process — from the initial sourcing of the material right up to the eventual sale — is ethical and transparent, and continually tracked all the way. In doing this, the blockchain solution ensures fairness throughout the entire system, meaning that the living conditions of those working in the mines are greatly improved and only the most responsibly-sourced gold can make its way through the supply chain.

Our USAVE platform works to maximise the benefits of miners, be it large scale, small scale, or artisanal miners, we work to help these workers gain access to better education, to internet, and even get their fair slice of the pie. We have only their best interests at heart, and even implement support and training to ensure their safety.

Focused heavily on Africa and Latin America, our platform also makes the highest efforts to avoid environmental consequences in our ecosystem. Responsible sourcing means that there is no mercury forced into the atmosphere around mines, greatly lowering the risk of health problems. We work to eradicate toxic waste and dirty practices that can lead to toxins seeping into the ground — killing plants, crops and wildlife.

The days of poor standard mining and chemical leakages can soon be gone with the introduction of our Blockchain solution. USAVE can secure the mining facilities that it reaches, and immediately ensure the highest ethical standards. Safety is paramount, not just for human lives and the gold, but for the surrounding areas. There can be no against preserving the environment whilst drastically improving the quality of life of workers living across these mining communities.

Stay up to date with all things USAVE by following our Twitter @USAVE_Network, LinkedIn and Facebook and www.usave.io


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