The Next Chapter of the Responsible Gold Guidance - Make Your Mark!
The first draft of a revised RGG (its ninth iteration) will soon be circulated for feedback from a multistakeholder advisory group that includes GDL refiners, multilateral groups like the OECD, industry partners such as RMI and the RJC, and NGOs. We hope for a lively, yet respectful, discussion that advances our common goals for a more responsible gold market. We know that this process will make for a better final product.
If you would like to be part of this consultation process or have ideas on how the RGG can be improved, please reach out to alan.martin@lbma.org.uk.
Continuous Improvement
One constant in responsible sourcing is that the landscape is continually changing. Definitions and norms change. New forms of criminality emerge and evade industry and law enforcement responses. New social concerns—the latest being an ever-growing list of environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations— require that we remain ever attentive and responsive to this changing landscape. The best way to do that is to leave the echo chamber and hear what others have to say — even if it makes for uncomfortable listening. LBMA is committed to continuous improvement and engaging with stakeholders to reflect feedback in the future development of the programme.
Geoforensic Passport
For those of you that missed LBMA’s Ninth Assaying and Refining Digital Conference 2021, one of the headlining sessions was undoubtedly the joint announcement by the University of Lausanne and Swiss refiner, Metalor, that they have developed a 'Geoforensic Passport' – a breakthrough scientific approach that validates the origin of doré received by refineries.
The process allows refiners to systematically analyse the DNA of every shipment of doré, determine if its origin corresponds to its stated source, detect any inconsistencies and identify gold of dubious origin. This approach is now routinely used at Metalor to scientifically confirm the origin of the doré received at its refinery.
The technique takes samples of gold from a mine or supplier and creates a complex chemical and physical blueprint for the material against which subsequent shipments can be checked.
Here you can view the full presentation, slides and transcript by Dr Barbara Beck, University of Lausanne and co-author Dr Jonathan Jodry, Metalor.
This project was co-funded by the Swiss Government through Innosuisse, together with Metalor Technologies.
Latest Responsible Sourcing News
• Brazil’s Mining Regulator No Match for Illegal Gold Rush. Insight Crime. The Brazilian agency that inspects mining sites and seizes illegally mined ore is vastly understaffed, a consequence of a government that has given free rein to the mining sector.
• Mexican president pressures Canadian miner over union dispute. Reuters. Mexico could revoke a concession held by Canadian miner Americas Gold and Silver Corp in northern Mexico if it does not accept its new trade union representation there.
• LBMA responds to NGO letter and re-enforces commitment to ongoing development
Latest ASM News
• A New Play: Colombia’s Artisanal Gold Mining Opportunity, Stockhouse. Mineral exploration Company O2Gold Inc. works with ASM gold miners in order to advance this industry, a new deal that recognized that people’s ownership and interests on the land was needed.
• New Project Supports Women’s Empowerment in Artisanal Mining, IMPACT. The Digging for Equality project will support women working in the artisanal mining sector in the three countries to reduce barriers they face and support their efforts towards gender equality.
• New Project Supports Conflict-Affected Communities in Eastern DRC, EPRM. The Peace Gold project aims to support the production of more environmentally friendly and ethical gold as a way of consolidating peace in eastern DRC.
Latest ESG News
• Climate change, ESG obligations will make water issues more challenging for miners, Mining Weekly. This webinar held by the Fasken Institute discussed transparent reporting on water management by mining companies.
• Report finds majority of extractive commodity traders lack ESG disclosure, Engineering News. Swiss research organisation RMF finds in a new report that companies involved in oil, gas, metals, or minerals trading score on average only 23% on environmental, social and governance (ESG) due diligence.
Events
7 April: Human Rights Due Diligence Along The Value Chain: The Essentials, Systain
27-28 April: 14th Forum on Responsible Mineral Supply Chains, OECD
1-3 June: Responsible Business 2021, Reuters Events
18-21 October: Responsible Business & Responsible Minerals Conferences, RBA/RMI
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