"Fair trade gold":a key to alleviating mercury pollution in sub-Saharan Africa

Childs, John (2010) "Fair trade gold":a key to alleviating mercury pollution in sub-Saharan Africa. International Jounal of Environment and Pollution, 41 (3-4). pp. 259-271. ISSN 1741-5101

Abstract

This paper critically assesses the ability of 'Fair Trade' gold to reduce mercury usage in small-scale gold mines through standard setting. It identifies the barriers – both practical and theoretical – that must be overcome to bring such an initiative to fruition. It concludes by questioning the auditing approach, asking whether the tenets of Fair-Trade-discourse of 'partnership' and 'responsibility' are conceptually shared by operators it has targeted.