Peruvian mines have always had an unenviable reputation because of their environmentally disrespectful practices. Sotrami’s Fair Trade certified gold mine begs to differ. Sotrami’s mining company operates in a very poor and arid region in Peru, but fair trade and environmental-friendly practices has helped the region to achieve prosperity. In fact, the Fair Trade movement provides advanced technologies to reduce the negative impacts of the harmful waste products of mining. The company avoids the use of mercury to purify gold, using cyanide to dissolve gold from ore and constantly recycling. Sotrami’s mining company, accordingly to Fair Trade principles, destines part of its profits to the community, helping provide water and electricity in an otherwise barren landscape. Since Sotrami has received Fair Trade certification from FLO, the international fair trade labelling organisation, its products are considered reliable from various markets, such as Europe and North America. The FLO certification implies a rigorous control over the company’s relations with its workforce, the benefits gained from the entire community, and the impact on the environment. The local community grew up as a mining town: most of the people are mineworkers, but Sotrami also engages in helping regional farmers, controlling the use of water and recycling dirty water to irrigate the arid fields. The company would like to see other miners learn from this experience, counteracting the negative view that most governments have of mining practices in Peru. The gLAWcal Team EPSEI project Friday, 20 February 2015 (Source: The Ecologist)