WGC’s ‘Silence Is Golden’ Report Highlights Grim Reality of Artisanal Gold Mining
Tue Nov 19 2024
A new report released by the World Gold Council (WGC), in partnership with the Rt. Hon Dominic Raab, sheds light on the dark side of the artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) industry. The report, titled “Silence is Golden,” reveals how this sector, responsible for a significant portion of the world’s gold supply, is being exploited by criminal networks to fund wars, terrorism, and organised crime.
The report highlights the critical issues plaguing the ASGM industry. The absence of transparency within businesses and governments hinders the implementation and enforcement of legal standards, it notes. Weak accountability mechanisms allow criminals to operate with impunity, leading to severe breaches of national and international laws. In addition, criminal groups profit from the exploitation of miners, often subjecting them to dangerous working conditions and human rights abuses.
To address these challenges, the report proposes a four-pronged strategy with 24 actionable steps for governments, international organisations, NGOs, mining companies, and development agencies. Key recommendations include prosecuting and disrupting criminal networks, as well as fostering international cooperation between G7 and G20 countries.
ASGM, which involves small-scale mining operations conducted by individuals or small enterprises, is prevalent in over 80 countries, particularly in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The informal nature of this industry makes it highly vulnerable to exploitation and poses significant risks, including tax evasion, environmental damage, and worker safety concerns.
Source: https://gjepc.org/