Take Action

Tell Target their Gold Policy is Off the Mark

Mining for gold is arguably the world's most polluting industry. Producing a single gold ring generates, on average, an astounding 20 tons of mine waste. And in places as diverse as Ghana, the United States, and Peru, gold mining operations have displaced people from their homes, destroyed traditional livelihoods, and damaged ecosystems.

Why Target Target?
More than 80 percent of gold is used to make jewelry. Minnesota-based Target Corporation is one of the largest retailers of jewelry in the U.S., with estimated sales of $415 million in 2005.

Despite the No Dirty Gold campaign's best efforts, Target has still not signed the Golden Rules criteria for more responsible gold production. For over a year, the campaign has engaged in dialogue with Target, sharing our concerns about the serious human rights and environmental problems associated with gold mining and asking for a commitment to more responsible sourcing.

The No Dirty Gold campaign's Golden Rules
The Golden Rules are based on the demands of communities directly affected by gold mining and their rights under UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, International Labor Organization Convention 169, and other international environmental and labor standards.

19 other companies, including 7 of the top 10 US jewelry retailers, have stepped up and signed the Golden Rules. So what's holding Target back?

Quick Facts:

• More than 80 percent of gold in the U.S. is used to make jewelry.
• U.S. gold jewelry sales were an estimated $18 billion in 2005, accounting for 33 percent of the $55 billion U.S. jewelry market.
• Nearly half of all people surveyed by the Jewelry Consumer Opinion Council call jewelry their favorite Valentine's Day gift.
• Jewelry is among the most popular Valentine's Day gifts, following cards and candy. 28 percent of shoppers gave a gift of jewelry last Valentine's Day.
• Seven of the top ten U.S. jewelry retail companies (by sales) have endorsed the No Dirty Gold campaign's Golden Rules. These companies are: Wal-Mart, Sterling, Zale Corp., QVC, Tiffany & Co., Helzberg Diamonds, and Fred Meyer Jewelers.
• The 19 companies in all who have endorsed the Golden Rules represent about $12 billion in jewelry sales, or 22 percent of the U.S. jewelry market.