Who We Are
Our Purpose
We catalyse change:
To create inclusive mine to market value chains,
To reduce the environmental footprint of mining operations,
To respect human rights,
To create positive socio-economic impact resulting in thriving communities.
Our History
We are a Swiss mission-driven company created in 2007, pioneering new business models by driving transformation and impact creation in the precious materials value chains.
To achieve impact at scale, we have developed an approach and a set of tools relevant to all actors along the value chain, from enhancing the livelihoods of artisanal and small-scale miners, to creating value chain links and enhancing social license to operate for exploration and mining companies, processing plants, and refiners. The combined effect is a holistic solution for responsible mining.
Founder’s Letter
“At Transparence, we join committed miners, producers, designers, and artisans to create an ecosystem that is environmentally and socially responsive. We change the conversation on climate change and social injustices with transparency and action. We invite you to join us as change makers. Through our various projects, we work in collaboration with locals to create positive social and environmental impact. This is how we combine ethics with elegance!
Thank you for your interest in engaging with us, I look forward to hearing from you.”
— Veerle Van Wauwe, Founder
“We envision a mining sector which is inclusive of artisanal and small-scale miners, operates eco-efficient processing plants, and restores land for future productive use for farmers and their communities.”
Our Approach
Respect Is Our Currency
Every new project is carefully selected and analysed. We start by identifying existing entrepreneurs who dream to transform mining operations in their region. By co-developing a ground-up approach with local partners for each individual impact project, we root our projects in their unique context and empower stakeholders with full ownership over the design and implementation process. This ensures that each impact program is relevant, scalable, and will deliver on its objectives. Respecting local customs and knowledge is critical to our mission.
Transparency At The Core
Every project is obliged to, at a minimum, meet the stringent OECD standards on Responsible Mineral Supply Chains and the EU Conflict Minerals Regulation. In partnership with local entrepreneurs, we conduct a full due diligence on labour conditions at mine sites, levels of formalisation, and current mining practices. We also run a full compliance check on each strategic partner. Compliance checks include a) analysing the financial viability of the project, b) evaluating its beneficial owners, c) checking all licences, permits, and governance practices, d) assuring the quality standards, and e) evaluating the fairness of the business model. Additionally, we invite international logistics companies, refiners, and impact investors to conduct further field visits and independent evaluations.
Linking Mines To Market
The first step in linking responsible mining operations with the broader market is to invite external market actors to visit our project sites. In addition to bringing existing industry connections, we strive to share our vision widely in order to engage new investors. To demonstrate the value of these transformational projects, we organise learning journeys that explore environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues, and reveal the needs and capabilities of different stakeholders by engaging with suppliers and their communities. Subsequently, our field visits help us identify local catalysts and civil society actors who can become long-term project partners, support systemic change, and monitor the projects.
Our Holistic Solutions For Responsible Mining
Creating Value Chain Links
We are pragmatic and practical with our operations across the value chain, from mine through to market. We have a global systemic view by virtue of our open mindset, multicultural partners, and diverse activities across Africa and Latin America.
Enhancing Social License To Operate
We have cultivated extensive experience at the grassroots level, and understand the interdependencies between sustainable development, human rights and societal issues, as well as how to balance viewpoints from diverse stakeholders both upstream and downstream.
Improving Livelihoods
We ensure that each project is sound, capable of doing good within a community, and improves the living conditions of each individual.
We Work At A Global Scale
We develop inclusive value chains in precious metals and market driven solutions to improve the livelihoods of artisanal small scale miners.
Our Impact
On Local Communities
We influence rural communities with our SALT (Support/ Stimulate/ Appreciate/ Listen/ Learn/ Transfer/ Trust) outreach, engaging with communities on their needs and capabilities to transform. We work on skills development and support innovators in the value chain.
On the Sustainable Development Goals
We work towards attaining a number of the SDGs and recognise how strongly they are interlinked. We engage with locals on their needs and their capacities for change within the SDGs requirements.
We Engage With
Jurisdictions where SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) is upheld and where there is a reasonable degree of security
Communities that express an interest in collaboration
Stakeholders that demonstrate an openness to shifting mindsets
We Strive Towards
SDG 8 (Decent work and Economic growth)
SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production)
SDG 6 (Clean water and Sanitation)
SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy)
