Sector Programme
    Extractives and Development
    LIMPIEZA DE BARRA MINERA PODEROSA

    Sustainable Supply Chains Forum Responsible Gold

    The Forum Responsible Gold promotes the exchange of experience and information between industry, civil society, academia and development cooperation and raises public awareness on responsible gold supply chains.

    According to the World Gold Council, global gold demand was estimated at roughly 4,000 tonnes in 2021. About two thirds of the gold production originates from primary extraction in mines. Between 10 and 20 per cent come from artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) and up to one third from recycled gold. Gold is primarily used in the jewellery sector (50%) and capital investment sector (30%). Central banks store about 11 per cent of the global annual gold production. Just under 10 per cent of the global gold is processed in other industries, such as the electronics or dental industry (average value of the years 2010-2021).

    TItelblatt für Flyer des Forums Verantwortungsvolles Gold

    Flyer: Forum Responsible Gold

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    In Germany, there is still little awareness of the social and ecological risks that can occur along the gold supply chain. In contrast to seals that certify the fair trade of products from the textile industry or agriculture, “fair trade” jewellery is hardly known. Jewellery made from responsibly sourced gold is currently a niche market in Germany.

    Aims

    The Forum Responsible Gold aims at providing information and raising awareness in Germany about the social and environmental challenges of gold mining. Moreover, the Forum aspires to increase the market share of responsible gold. The Forum ultimately contributes to improving the living and working conditions for people working in gold mines, as well as to strengthening environmental protection in gold production and to building responsible gold supply chains.

    The Forum defines responsible gold as gold from small-scale mining and industrial production that was sourced in compliance with ecological and social standards (e.g. no child labour, fair wages, minimum prices). The Forum also defines responsible gold as gold that was processed from end-of-use material (such as e-waste) through environmentally and socially responsible recycling processes.

    Activities

    The Forum Responsible Gold organises various activities. The event series “Responsible Gold” takes place twice a year and offers participants a platform to exchange information and experiences. Past workshops focused on topics such as illegal gold flows, due diligence in gold supply chains, certifications and environmental issues related to gold.

    On behalf of the Forum, the Centre for Global Citizenship Education EPIZ e.V. publishes teaching materials with the title “Dangerous Gold - Gold from Small-Scale Mining”. From 2024 onwards, vocational schools can use the teaching materials to familiarise students in relevant vocations with sustainability issues related to gold extraction and the gold supply chain.

    Contact

    The Sector Programme “Extractives and Development” at the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR) coordinates the Forum.

    If you are interested in participating or would like more information, please contact Dr. Alexandra Bechtum.

    Responsible Supply Chains
    Artisanal Gold Mining

    European Partnership for Responsible Minerals (EPRM)

    The European Partnership for Responsible Minerals (EPRM) is a multi-stakeholder initiative dedicated to the promotion of responsible mineral supply chains. The Sector Programme supports the BMZ in its role as member of the initiative.

    Responsible Supply Chains
    MANTENIMIENTO CAMION HITACHI MINERA CONSTANCIA

    Responsibility along the Supply Chain

    Many consumer products contain raw materials which are extracted in developing countries and emerging economies and associated with significant environmental and human rights risks. Through its activities, the Sector Programme supports the improvement of the conditions along the entire supply chain.

    Responsible Supply Chains
    ASM-Arbeiter in Sierra Leone

    Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining

    It is estimated that more than 100 million people are dependent on artisanal and small-scale mining. This makes ASM a major economic sector and an important source of income. At the same time, ASM is associated with various social and environmental risks.

    Good Governance
    Mining vehicles

    Anti-Corruption

    Corruption risks extend along entire mineral value chains in the extractive sector, from bribery in the acquisition of licences to the misappropriation of public funds. Corruption distorts competition, reduces government revenues and undermines development-oriented budget allocation. Get more information on the topic of anti-corruption here.