One thing to add to this is environmental destruction caused by small scale mining. The uncontrolled use of heavy metals in ore refining will cause decades of soil and water contamination. How long until we hear about the damage caused to human health and agricultural products?
Worldwide, 15% of all gold production comes from artisanal and small-scale mining; but only 2% of that production is sold to Good Delivery List refiners. This means that the large majority of artisinally-mined gold gets to the market – and into our jewellery – illegally. As well a criminal issue, unregulated and illegal gold mining and export creates major governance and human rights risks, keeps small-scale miners in exploitative relationships with buyers, funds terrorism, fuels corruption, and locks poor people into poverty. In March, TAG accompanied a Ghanaian delegation to the London Bullion Market Association’s Responsible Sourcing Summit, subtitled “From Rock to Ring”. The aim was to identify how global partnerships can support Ghana’s efforts to ensure that its gold exports come from legitimate and regulated sources – with the long-term goal of helping Ghana become the first African nation that can legally trade artisanal gold. For Ghana, both the challenge and the opportunity are immense. Through the FCDO-funded UK Ghana Gold Programme, TAG will continue to support the nation along its pathway from one of Africa’s largest illegal gold exporters to a full and active member of the global gold community. #UKGGP #UKAID #LBMA
