How Important is Ethical Sourcing?

Consumer demand for ethically sourced and sustainable products has grown in recent years, partly as a result of a greater awareness of the impact of manufacturing upon producers but also due to increased scrutiny over the environmental impact of metals mining.

This has prompted a move towards more fully traceable and transparent sourcing of metals in the minting industry, including single mine origin, fair-mined and recycled gold.

First Single Mine Gold Bullion Coin from RCM

The Royal Canadian Mint (RCM) launched its first, fully segregated single mine gold bullion coin in October this year (see CMN November). The 1oz $50 Pure Gold Maple Leaf coin is composed entirely of gold extracted by Agnico Eagle at its Meliadine Mine in Nunavut (Canada).