Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I purchase Mammoth Gold?

Please contact us for more information on purchasing Mammoth Gold as bullion, or we can direct you to one if our partners that supply Mammoth Gold products and retain our Chain of Custody.

What is ethical gold?

Ethical gold is the name that has been given to gold that has been sourced from mines that have implemented commendable ecological and socio-economic practices.  Ethical gold is also referred to as “eco-gold” or “green gold”. Initially many people equated “green” or “eco-gold” with only environmental issues. While over the past decade “green” concepts have evolved to include all areas of sustainability and corporate social responsibility, at Mammoth Tusk Gold we have chosen to label our gold “ethical” to clearly show that our commitment includes environmental, economic, and social sustainability.  To learn more about our ethical gold please see the Ethical Gold section of this site.

Are ethical-gold products of lesser quality than other gold products?

No, pure ethical-gold is the same quality as pure gold from other sources. It is the quality of life of individuals and communities, and the sustainability of our environment that is dramatically improved through ethical mining practices, as well as the refining practices that produce ethical-gold.

What is the purpose of the ethical gold certification?

Ethical gold certification is to provide a guarantee to buyers that Mammoth Gold has been mined in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.

How credible is the certification?

Mammoth Tusk Gold’s certification is based on the 10 Golden Rules of the “No Dirty Gold” campaign.  Our partnerships with  EARTHWORKS and Johnson Matthey refiners, as well as the third party verification of supporting documents and reports by Ernst & Young ensure the Ethical Gold Certification Program is credible.

Who is involved in the certification process, and what are their roles?

The certification and Chain of Custody is managed by Mammoth Tusk Gold. The certification program is voluntary and is initiated by the applying mine. Mammoth Tusk Gold works with the mines to prepare for certification. In order to certify, the mine operator must meet all the principals and standards outlined in our Ethical Gold Certification, and receive an inspection from an independent qualified inspector. Documentation and inspection reports are reviewed by Ernst & Young, and once it is confirmed our criteria is met, the mine is certified as a Mammoth Gold producer.

Who sets the certification requirements?

The certification requirements are set by Mammoth Tusk Gold. We have based our certification standards on internationally acceptable standards for ethical gold production.

Where can I review the requirements?

Please see Certification or Principals and Standards to read more about what principals our certification is based on, the standards that compliant mines are required to meet, as well as other certification program requirements.

Which mines are eligible to apply for certification?

All Yukon placer mines with a valid Water License and Land Use Permit are eligible to apply.  It is a voluntary program, Mammoth Tusk Gold will not purchase gold from non-certified mines. Please learn more about becoming a Certified Ethical Gold Producer.

Can certification be revoked, suspended, or denied?

Yes. The integrity of the certification program is very important. Ethical gold certification can be withdrawn if mines are not in compliance with the certification standards.

How long does it take for a mine to become certified?

The certification process will depend on the mine’s ability to submit their application to Mammoth Tusk Gold, the length of time to complete any on-site inspections and required documentation, and the final independent verification. The Ethical Gold Certificate and the Chain of Custody will only be issued to buyers of Mammoth Gold.  The certification applies to a mine for one year.

What is the chain of custody?

The chain of custody is a system of documentation that follows the gold from mine to end consumer, while maintaining the standards of ethical production. The chain of custody provides evidence of the origin of Mammoth Gold and ensures that all ethical standards have been met from the mining source to jewellers’ cases.

What is Mammoth Gold’s relationship with Johnson Matthey?

Johnson Matthey is the 2008 refining partner with Mammoth Gold. Together we ensure the certification is managed, the chain of custody unbroken, and that certified Ethical Gold Producers receive a premium.

What is the difference between Mammoth Gold and Mammoth Tusk Gold?

"Mammoth Gold" is the name of our ethically sourced product. Mammoth Tusk Gold Inc. is the company name who ownes the Ethical Gold Certification program and controls the certification process and Chain of Custody.

What is placer gold?

Placer gold was carried downstream from hard rock gold sources by glacial streams and rivers. When the streams and river water slows, the gold is too heavy to be carried further and settles in the stream beds and river valleys. Over thousands of years these rivers and streams have changed course, and the valleys have filled up with sediments that include gold. Placer gold takes shape as nuggets, flakes and dust; which typically sit just above bedrock.

How does placer mining work?

Placer mining extracts gold from surface gravel deposits. It is different from hard-rock or quartz mining, as these mining operations involve underground processes below solid bedrock. Activities of an active placer mine include exploration, construction of the mine site, and reclamation; or reclaiming the natural state of mined areas. Placer mines in the Yukon do not use chemicals while mining. There are no toxic by-products from the extraction process. Yukon placer miners use a technique called sluicing that uses water, motion and gravity to extract gold from the alluvial gravels. Using a very basic analogy, one could say a sluice plant is similar to a very large washing machine that does not use soap. Miners replace the tailings in environmentally sustainable ways, keep the heavy gold which is caught in mats by gravity, and often recycle water used in the process.