18.11.2022 “Certification systems and standards in the gold sector” – 8^th workshop in the event series on “Responsible Gold” took place

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 eight time on November 8, 2022. 50 participants from the gold industry, civil society, academia, and development cooperation attended the workshop.

The workshop focused on certification systems and standards in the gold sector. Dr. Philip Schütte from BGR gave a presentation on standards in artisanal and industrial gold mining. He explained that standards in industrial gold mining are mainly taken into account by large-scale gold producers. He pointed out that according to data from the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA), only about one percent of global small-scale gold production is currently certified or registered as such. Dr. Felix Hruschka from the Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM) presented the Fairmined assurance label. ARM certifies small-scale mining organizations that produce gold according to specific social and environmental criteria. ARM further guarantees minimum prices for gold purchases and licenses other supply chain actors. “Fairmined gold” is defined as gold that has been produced, traded, separated and processed along the entire supply chain according to the criteria of the Fairmined standard.

Later in the workshop, Johanna Schoemaker (Quite quiet), Jan Goos (Goldaffairs), Claudia Schindler (noën), Markus Staub (Fairtrade Max Havelaar Foundation Switzerland) and Desirée Binternagel (Fairever) gave insight into their daily work with gold from certified small-scale mines. Obtaining gold from verified sources allows them to contribute to sustainable development in the mining regions. However, working with certified gold implies a lot of administrative work for smaller businesses. Likewise, small-scale mining organizations have to make substantial investments to be licensed. Speakers further agreed that building responsible gold supply chains requires independent audits of supply chain actors. In Germany, stronger networking of licensed companies helps to increase the overall visibility of gold from certified small-scale gold mines.

The next workshop will take place in May 2023 on illicit gold flows. Participation is free of charge and open to all interested parties.

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