Mercury Free Mining (MFM) has announced Bernadette Mack’s appointment as its Managing Director. This strategic recruitment is part of MFM’s ambitious plan to enhance its programming and extend its outreach, specifically targeting areas adversely affected by mercury pollution.
Background in Nonprofit and Jewelry
Bernadette Mack brings to MFM a distinguished career in both the nonprofit sector and the jewelry industry, notably serving as the executive director of the Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA). With over two decades of experience, Mack has honed her expertise in operations management, fundraising, marketing, and communication.
Pioneering a Mercury-Free Future
The induction of Mack comes at a critical juncture for MFM as the organization embarks on pioneering projects in Colombia and Sierra Leone. These initiatives aim to introduce and establish the Goldrop technology among artisanal and small-scale miners, driving towards the elimination of mercury use in gold processing. The deployment of Goldrop technology signifies a momentous stride towards realizing MFM’s vision of a mining industry devoid of mercury.
Toby Pomeroy, MFM’s founder and executive director, expressed his satisfaction with Mack’s joining, stating, “We couldn’t be happier that [Mack] has joined our team and mission. Her passion for nonprofit work and deep knowledge of organizational management are exactly what we need right now.” Pomeroy’s statement underscores the critical role Mack is expected to play in propelling MFM’s operational capabilities forward.
Further emphasizing the significance of Mack’s role and the innovative strides of MFM, Pomeroy added, “For years we’ve been working toward our vision of eradicating mercury use among artisanal and small-scale gold miners. With the discovery of the highly efficient Goldrop technology, we feel we’re on the cusp of seeing our vision become reality. This is the ideal time for us to bring on an expert in nonprofit management to help us scale our operations to make huge strides in eliminating the use of mercury pollution from gold mining.”
Echoing Pomeroy’s sentiments, Mack highlighted the importance of MFM’s mission and her enthusiasm for contributing to its success, stating, “This mission is important and achievable – so to help advance what Toby, his supporters, and colleagues have built feels like a golden opportunity for me.”
Funding and Prospects for Growth
The initiatives spearheaded by MFM have been significantly supported by a $93,000 grant from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), dedicated to projects aimed at abolishing mercury use in gold processing. This financial endorsement underscores the critical nature of MFM’s work and the transformative impact of mercury-free solutions on both the jewelry industry and the environment.
