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Marsam Refinery, After Undergoing a Surprise Investigation, May Be Linked to Illegal Gold Mining in the Amazon
According to information from the website Repórter Brasil, the Marsam Refinery, responsible for processing illegal gold from companies investigated for purchasing metal illegally extracted from Brazilian indigenous lands, has been disqualified from the RMI (Responsible Minerals Initiative) and is no longer considered trustworthy to sell gold to about 300 companies listed on the US stock exchange.
The removal of the Marsam refinery from the list of RMI-accredited suppliers occurs less than three months after an unprecedented investigation by Repórter Brasil showed that illegal gold from indigenous lands reaches the four most valuable brands in the world: Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Amazon.
These and other multinationals use the RMI list to choose their metal suppliers. During the investigation, Apple announced it would stop purchasing from the Marsam refinery following the inquiries sent by the report.
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The Use of Illegal Gold
Removal of Quality Seal
The Brazilian refinery was removed from the list of accredited suppliers discreetly, according to what was reported by AP on Wednesday morning, 5. The RMI confirmed the disqualification but did not specify the reasons.
“Although we cannot provide details of specific evaluations and findings due to confidentiality agreements, individual audited parties may share their own audit results.” After being contacted for clarification, the Marsam refinery did not respond to the questions sent by the report.
Additionally, Google stated through a press office that they would not comment on the matter. Microsoft and Amazon have not made any statements.
Obligation to Present Gold Suppliers
The United States approved, in 2010, a law requiring all companies listed on the Stock Exchange to present an annual report of their gold, tin, tungsten, and tantalum suppliers.
The goal is to prevent the purchase of illegal gold from companies that fuel conflicts, as occurred in the civil war in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where mineral exploitation still finances armed groups.
Because of this law, the RMI was created, which aims to ensure greater transparency in the mining sector, “seek sustainable corporate engagement,” and conduct audits to combat human rights violations, money laundering, and illegal gold purchases, according to the organization’s website.
