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October 2004
Welcome to the first No Dirty Gold campaign newsletter. Oxfam America and Earthworks have prepared this update to keep No Dirty Gold members posted about the campaign's progress.
Please tell us what you think about the campaign -- and this newsletter -- and let us know if you would like to get more actively involved! You can contact us by replying to this message or emailing us at info@nodirtygold.org.
In This Issue
No Dirty Gold Scores an Early Victory with the Jewelers of America
Jewelers of America, a national association of more than 10,000 jewelry retailers, issued a statement in July 2004 endorsing the long-term objectives of the NDG campaign. In this statement, JA President and CEO Matthew A. Runci said, 
We look forward to working together[...] to assure that the materials used to produce jewelry products are obtained in ways that are environmentally and socially responsible.
The full text of the Jewelers of America statement is available on the No Dirty Gold web site home page, http://www.nodirtygold.org, under the headline "Will Dirty Gold Replace Conflict Diamonds?". Also available is a jewelry industry report on the No Dirty Gold campaign launch.
Campaign Wins NRCA Award
 On September 8, the No Dirty Gold campaign was honored with an award for "Best Environmental Media Campaign" from the Natural Resources Council of America (NRCA). The presentation took place during the NRCAs 20th Annual Conservation Community Awards Banquet, which was held in Washington, DC. Other award recipients included Ted Turner and the National Wildlife Federation.
The NRCA is a consortium of 85 national and regional organizations focused on the sustainable management of the world's natural resources. More information about the award can be found on the EARTHWORKS website. http://www.earthworksaction.org/ewa/PRnrca.cfm
Communities tell Newmont: No Dirty Gold
In August and September, problems at mines operated by Newmont Mining Corporation, the world's largest gold producer, underscored the need for comprehensive community participation and higher environmental standards during all stages of gold mining and production.
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Protest of Cerro Quilish exploration in Cajamarca, Peru. Credit: GRUFIDES
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Cerro Quilish
Community and campesino groups in Peru's Cajamarca province have long opposed the expansion of Newmont's Yanacocha gold mine to Cerro Quilish, a sacred mountain and a key water source in the region. Public opposition came to a head in late August and early September when Newmont began exploration activities at Quilish. Community members staged protests and lobbied both corporate and government officials for several weeks. Following a strike by approximately 10,000 campesinos, the Peruvian government suspended Newmont's exploration permit.
For more information on mining in the Cajamarca region, visit:
http://www.nodirtygold.org/cajamarca_peru.cfm
To see photos of the protests in Cajamarca, click here: http://www.nodirtygold.org/CajamarcaPhotos.cfm
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Children bathing in Buyat River, downstream from Newmont's Minahasa Raya mine site. Credit: TEMPO Magazine
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Buyat Bay
As tensions soared in Peru, Newmont was in the spotlight in Indonesia for alleged pollution near its Minahasa Raya gold mine. The New York Times covered this story on its front-page. On August 31, an Indonesian government panel announced that Newmont had illegally disposed of waste from Minahasa Raya since 1996 by failing to obtain the required environmental permits from the Ministry of Environment.
Recent news stories exonerating Newmont are based on an incomplete analysis released by the Indonesian Environment Minister without the consent of the investigative team. The complete analysis of the pollution in Buyat Bay is expected to be released next week. Meanwhile, the Indonesian police have prepared their own case implicating six Newmont executives.
For more information on mining in the Buyat Bay region, visit:
http://www.nodirtygold.org/buyat_bay_indonesia.cfm
To see photos of Buyat Bay and to read the NYT story, click here: http://www.nodirtygold.org/buyatbayphotos.cfm
No Dirty Gold List Update
As a No Dirty Gold campaign pledge signer youre in excellent company. As of September 28, some 7,846 people have signed onto the pledge, representing 90 different countries and 6 continents!
Please encourage your friends and colleagues around the world to sign the NDG pledge! They can find it at http://www.nodirtygold.org/take_action.cfm
About Earthworks and Oxfam America
 The No Dirty Gold campaign is an initiative of Earthworks and Oxfam America in partnership with non-governmental organizations and communities around the world. To learn more about No Dirty Gold, or to download campaign materials, please visit our web site at www.nodirtygold.org.
Many thanks for your support! Please send in your suggestions or comments to info@nodirtygold.org. | 
