POLICY & RESEARCH



Since 2008, HUME has been instrumental in developing international policy and governance frameworks addressing the impacts of mining on people, conflict, and climate. 

Through partnerships with the United Nations, USAID, Harvard University, and others, HUME has facilitated ecological restoration, water security, labour rights, and peace-based economies. The studio has advocated for communities impacted by mining in global forums such as the World Bank and the OECD, and led the industry development and adoption of Fairtrade Fairmined Gold—the first third-party certified standard, establishing benchmarks for metal sustainability, traceability, and transparency.

Our work reflects a conviction that responsible material sourcing demands systemic transformation, not simply ethical choices within existing supply chains. We have collaborated extensively with miners, government, and community leaders across South America and Africa. Building relationships in homes, communities, and mines built trust and understanding of people’s connection to land and experience with conflict. It has deeply informed our approach to addressing the complex histories and structural challenges.

HUME has exhibited at the Venice Architecture Biennale, collaborating on the award-winning installation, EXTRACTION. A 9-oz solid gold Fairmined mining stake, crafted by the studio, served as the centerpiece of the multimedia exhibition spotlighting Indigenous sovereignty and the geopolitics of global resource supply chains. 

Founders Kevin Hume and Genevieve Ennis lead policy and research for the studio.