World Gold Council launches conflict-free standard

The World Gold Council has developed the Conflict-Free Gold Standard, an industry-led approach to combat the potential misuse of mined gold to fund armed conflict.

The council hopes the standard –based on internationally-recognised benchmarks and developed with leading producers, governments, civil society and supply chain participants – will promote responsible practices throughout the industry. Conformance will be subject to external assurance.

Franco-Nevada chairman Pierre Lassonde, the council board member responsible for leading the standard’s development, said: “The gold supply chain is highly complex. This represents a major step towards eradicating gold that fuels conflict from the legitimate supply chain.

“It is essential that we combat any misuse of gold by militias and criminal networks. This has been [our] driving force. I am particularly pleased by the extent to which we have been able to work with governments and civil society, as well as industry partners, in devising a framework that commands wide support and credibility.”

The move follows the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) decision to recognise gold produced by artesanal miners as meeting the Fairtrade & Fairmined Standard (EP, November 2012, p16).