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A report “Sparkling Jewels, Opaque Supply Chains: Jewelry Companies, Changing Sourcing Practices and Covid-19" by Human Rights Watch (HRW) states that many gold and diamond mine workers are exposed to dangerous conditions and Covid-19 has made it worse.

These 15 companies collectively generate more than US$40 billion in revenue annually, but still, most of them aren't able to assure customers that their jewellery is untainted by human rights abuses.

In countries like Venezuela, many armed groups are responsible for illegal gold mining and they commit horrific abuses on the miners. In Zimbabwe, private security officers employed by companies mistreat miners. There are reports of children being exposed to mercury (used in gold mining) in Ghana, Mali, Philippines and Tanzania which have resulted in deaths.
 

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