Sector Programme
Extractives and Development
artisanaler Goldarbeiter

20.06.2022 7th Workshop “Responsible Gold”

The seventh workshop of the series “Responsible Gold” took place on May 31, 2022. On behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ (External link)), the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR (External link)) has organized the event series since 2018

The Sector Programme “Extractives and Development” of the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR (External link)), funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ (External link)), hosted a workshop on responsible gold for the seventh time on May 31, 2022. 32 participants from the gold industry, civil society, academia, and development cooperation attended the workshop. The workshop discussed the implementation of due diligence in gold supply chains. The workshop facilitates the exchange of information and experience as well as networking among participants on the topic of responsible gold production and sourcing.

The head of the German Competent Authority - EU Due Diligence Obligations in Mineral Supply Chains (DEKSOR) discussed challenges regarding their role as competent authority for the implementation of the EU Regulation 2017/821 on due diligence in the supply chain of so-called “conflict minerals” (gold, tin, tantalum, tungsten). Since January 2021, EU importers are obliged to adhere to the EU Conflict Minerals Regulation. DEKSOR will carry out mandatory inspections retroactively to January 1, 2022.

In two presentations, staff from Levin Sources and the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP) presented research findings on the implementation of the EU regulation on due diligence in the supply chain of gold, tin, tantalum and tungsten in sub-Saharan Africa and the Andean region. The first presentation by Levin Sources, pointed out the lack of knowledge on due diligence requirements for mineral supply chains in the case study countries Mozambique, Nigeria, and Burkina Faso. Ilegal trade and smuggling of 3TG minerals were identified as significant barriers to implementing due diligence. Departing from case studies in the Andean region and southern Africa, SWP's presentation discussed risks for gold smuggling in the gold supply chain. The presentation highlighted the need for strengthening initiatives to curb illicit gold trade.

Furthermore, a vocational school teacher, responsible for the training of goldsmiths, gave insight into teaching the topic “responsible gold”. Interactive teaching material informes students on sustainability criteria and socio-ecological risks along the gold supply chain. The feedback from the students and the teacher was overall positive. A large proportion of the students stated that they would like to work with responsibly sourced gold in the future. The teacher intends to further adopt and develop the script for the sequence depending on the specific target group.

The interest of the participants in continuing the format and further deepening the collaboration remains high. Further biannual events are planned for the future. The next meeting will most likely take place in November 2022. Participation is free of charge and open to all interested parties.

For more information, please contact Alexandra Bechtum (External link).