Opal Saga Geneva's Ethical Commitments

After analyzing the opal mining conditions in the two main producing countries, Australia and Ethiopia, I decided not to offer stones from the latter country.

This analysis does not claim to be exhaustive or perfectly accurate, but it is based on public documents (see references below). The objective here is not to criticize certain practices, the issues of which are complex (economic, social, cultural, environmental), but to make a choice consistent with my values regarding the origin of the opals that I offer.

Ethiopian Opal

Ethiopian opal can be magnificent and has the advantage of being much less expensive than Australian opal. Its production is often described as artisanal and relatively safe. However, a simple search on the Wegeltena mining region, where the famous "Welo opal" comes from, shows that access to the mine is dangerous. In the series Gem Hunt (S01E04, minutes 15 to 20), we see that in 2013, children participated in the transport of stones and the supply of food to the miners.

In discussing working conditions in Wegeltena with an Ethiopian exporter and an American buyer, it became clear that there is currently no certified sector guaranteeing good working conditions or excluding child labor. This type of sector does, however, exist for other resources (Fairmined label for gold, Max Havelaar for cocoa). The mine nevertheless constitutes a major source of income for the local population.

It was difficult for me to find any other documented sources or videos dealing with the exploitation of Ethiopian opal.

Australian opal

Unlike gold or coal, Australian opal is not mined by large companies, but by independent miners or small groups. Mining areas are often divided into temporary concessions, leased from the state.

That said, this activity remains risky: many mines are underground, and yields are highly variable, potentially leading to economic insecurity. Despite its high price, it is estimated that more than 90% of the world's opal production comes from Australia. To learn more, you can watch the series Opal seekers, which, although reality TV-oriented, shows several technical and human aspects of this activity.

 

Environmental impact

Like any stone or mineral, opal is non-renewable: it took approximately 100 million years for the Earth to form these natural wonders. Unlike gold or copper mining, opal mining does not involve the use of toxic substances. However, in Australia, construction equipment is used.

In recent years, at the request of Aboriginal communities, some regions (particularly in Queensland) have required the refilling of cavities at the end of mining, using excavated rubble. This has complicated mining and contributed to rising prices.

 

The Opal Saga Stones

Given these factors, I have chosen to limit myself to Australian opals. In addition to their aesthetic qualities and strength, they present a great diversity: white opal from Coober Pedy, black opal from Lightning Ridge, or even boulder opals from Queensland (opal included in the parent rock).

All my opals are natural, without chemical or heat treatment. This is why I do not offer Andamooka "matrix" opals, which are often artificially treated. 

Climate compensation

Importing opals from Australia by air freight emits an estimated mass of CO2 with theCarbon Care toolI offset double the mass of CO2 equivalent estimated on the Swiss service MyClimate:

 

For any questions regarding ethics and sustainability, please do not hesitate to contact me.