Responsible supply chains 4th Workshop “Responsible Gold in Germany”

The social and environmental risks of gold production are widely unknown to the German public. So far, responsible gold has been a niche product in Germany. The Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) supports the responsible production of gold in the partner countries in various ways. Bilateral and regional cooperation support introducing environmental and social standards for responsible gold mining and strengthen mining authorities to better exercise their oversight obligations. Through the “Extractives and Development” Sector Programme (Sector Programme), the BMZ supports the exchange of information and experience, as well as the networking of business, civil society, science and development cooperation on the topic of responsible gold.

The Sector Programme of the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR) hosted a workshop on responsible gold for the fifth time on 5 May 2021. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the workshop took place virtually as a webinar. A total of 52 participants from business, civil society and academia attended the workshop.

Two presentations dealt with the topic of mining responsible gold from different perspectives. Uwe Näher, a recently returned employee of the BGR from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), provided insights into his project work on the ground in small-scale gold mining. The Frankfurt Zoological Society presented its perspective on gold mining in the Amazon.The presentation cast a critical light on gold production in the Amazon, as illegal mining contributes significantly to the loss of local biodiversity and threatens the existence of indigenous people.

In addition, the BGR presented a project on the development of teaching materials on responsible gold. In cooperation with various companies, civil society organisations and authorities, the BGR creates a set of materials for use in vocational goldsmith training. The central element is the testimonials of goldsmiths who already use responsible gold for the production of jewellery. Fourteen companies and organisations agreed to participate in the production of these teaching materials.

Further, the future organisational development of the workshop was discussed. The participants are very interested in continuing the format. Future events are planned every six months. Many participants are interested in having hybrid events in the future in order to give more people the opportunity to virtually connect to on-site events.

The next meeting will take place on 6 October 2021. The workshops are held in German language. Participation is free of charge and open to all interested parties.

For further information please contact the BGR team (External link) of the Sector Programme.