Our New Zealand Gold
Why it's so important to know origin
If you follow me on socials you'll know I visited one of our alluvial gold mines last week on the West Coast of New Zealand. I felt like I was on a school trip, totally fascinating to see the process first hand, meet one of the family-owned mines and verify what I'm being told is true.
So why is this important?
Historically, mining as a word has a bad name for itself. Extracting minerals from Mother Earth and the way in which it is done, as well as the impact on the surrounding environment and its community are all elements that can and have faced backlash over the years and for good reason.
For example, hard rock gold mining is far more invasive than alluvial gold mining. It dramatically changes the natural landscape as well as impacting the local ecology. Alluvial gold mining can be done in several ways and if done well is relatively low impact. Some methods are more harsh to the environment than others so it's important to know which one your gold derives from and how the mining company is giving back to the environment, supporting it and it's local flora, fauna and community.
New Zealand is known for its natural beauty so for me, to know that this is being protected not only by the Department of Conservation but the mining companies we use as well was a critical factor.
To be able to visit the beautiful place where our gold comes from only 6 hours away, learn how it’s mined responsibly adhering to the strict New Zealand standards, has a low impact on the environment and actually nurtures it for the future returning the land to a higher level is so uplifting.
To see and hear about this roadie of mine, visit my INSTA HERE.
More on the actual process for any of you slightly more nerdy people wanting to know more!
Alice x
Pure GOLD
More on the process next time - just so exciting to see the gold filtered out of the rock and sand by such a simple process using water and gravity.
At the source
Using the natural water table means no extra water is needed to pump up to the site or importantly away from it dirty-ing the rivers.
My jewels are designed and crafted in New Zealand proudly using traceable New Zealand gold.