The World Gold Council has launched its Responsible Gold Mining Principles which set out clear expectations for consumers, investors and the downstream gold supply chain as to what constitutes responsible gold mining.

The World Gold Council has set out the Principles that it believes address key environmental, social and governance issues for the gold mining sector.

The aim is for the Responsible Gold Mining Principles to become a credible and widely recognised framework through which gold mining companies can provide confidence that their gold has been produced responsibly.

This is in response to the fact that environmental, social and governance considerations are becoming increasingly important to consumers.

The Responsible Gold Mining Principles are intended to recognise and consolidate existing standards and instruments under a single framework.

Companies implementing the Responsible Gold Mining Principles will be required to obtain external assurance from a third party, independent assurance provider. This will provide further confidence to purchasers of gold that the gold they buy is responsibly mined and sourced.

Gary Goldberg, CEO of Newmont Goldcorp, who oversaw this initiative on behalf of the Board of the World Gold Council, said adherence to strong environmental, social and governance principles should be a key part of any responsible gold mining business.

“The formalisation of the Responsible Gold Mining Principles is a natural evolution of our daily working practices. It is my hope that these Principles will be widely adopted, not only by Member companies, but by the industry more broadly.”

Terry Heymann, Chief Financial Officer of the World Gold Council, said the aim is that the Responsible Gold Mining Principles reinforce trust in gold and the gold mining industry.

“Consumers, investors and the downstream gold supply chain will be able to know, with confidence, that their gold has been responsibly sourced. The Principles incorporate feedback from more than 200 organisations and individuals over two rounds of consultation and are designed to support the efficient operation of the gold market.”

The Principles can be accessed here.