Daniela Colaiacovo

Catch Daniela Colaiacovo on Do Radio: It’s Not About Trees with John Lunn 18th - 24th May 2026.

DO Radio Show Notes

In this episode, John Lunn speaks with Daniela Colaiacovo about ethical mining and the challenge of building responsible supply chains in the gold industry.

Daniela shares her journey from financial communications into her family’s mining business, where she helped develop a model focused on chemical-free extraction, waste reuse and engagement with local and artisanal miners.

The conversation explores sustainability as a system issue—starting at the point of extraction and shaping everything downstream. Daniela reflects on how the industry has shifted from intention and storytelling towards evidence, transparency and accountability.

A key theme is collaboration. Progress, she argues, depends on shared standards and collective action across the supply chain, rather than isolated efforts by individual companies.

Despite current global uncertainty, Daniela remains optimistic. She points to growing awareness, stronger industry practices and the mindset of younger generations as signs of progress, alongside the need to make responsible sourcing the default rather than the exception.

Daniela Colaiacovo – Bio

Daniela Colaiacovo is a business leader and sustainability advocate with extensive experience across the gold mining and jewellery industries.

Born and raised in Italy, she began her career working in Brussels and London in financial communications during the late 1990s. She later joined her family’s mining business, becoming part of a second-generation leadership team working to develop a more responsible model of gold extraction.

Over more than 15 years in the mining sector, Daniela worked across multiple roles, contributing to the development of an approach focused on environmental responsibility, waste reduction and community engagement, including working closely with artisanal miners.

Following the closure of the mine, she founded Makal, an ethical jewellery brand built around responsibly sourced gold, which she led for seven years.

More recently, Daniela has focused on mentoring and social impact, working with The King’s Trust to support young people into employment and personal development.

Her work today reflects a continued focus on sustainability, leadership and the role of individuals in shaping more responsible systems.