Best Master Thesis Award – Ethical Gold Mining

A Personal Milestone

I am honored to have received the award for Best Master Thesis (Academic Year 2021/2022) at the Department of Physics & Geology. From my very first day at the University of Perugia, I realized that geology had a deeper role to play: to demonstrate that wealth is not about money, but about opportunity.

Where It All Began

It was December 2011 when I first stepped into a gold mine. I was 15 years old, in Honduras, far from my everyday life. In that moment, everything became clear: I would become a geologist.

The Thesis Vision

My thesis, “Alluvial Ethical Gold: Developing a Responsible Pilot Model for Ethical Gold Mining (Cameroon, Africa),” explores how mining best practices—especially in artisanal and small-scale contexts—can act as pilot models for sustainability. It demonstrates that gold mined in harmony with nature, human dignity and long-term development can transform communities, while also ensuring economic viability.

Sustainability as a Process

In mining, sustainability is not a fixed state but a long-term goal. Sustainable development represents the pathways and processes required to achieve it. A responsible mining company must optimize its resources while preserving environmental and social balance, ensuring that development today does not compromise future generations.

Recognition

It was a great honor to bring such a sensitive topic—responsible mineral sourcing—to the attention of the Italian academic community. I would like to thank the University of Perugia for this recognition.