Making a world of difference in small-scale gold mining

planetGOLD works to make small-scale gold mining safer, cleaner, and more profitable. Our vision is a clean global supply of gold from small-scale miners.

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Where we are making a difference

Knowledge Areas

The planetGOLD programme is working to eliminate mercury from the supply chain of gold produced by artisanal and small-scale miners by supporting improvements in these four areas.

  • Mercury awareness campaign with miners and villagers in Sekotong Lombok Indonesia
    Awareness Raising

    Improving understanding of the challenges and opportunities of artisanal and small-scale gold mining, in local communities and beyond

  • Women with ledger in Philippines
    Access to Finance

    Unlocking capital flows to transform artisanal and small-scale gold mining

  • Panning Sierra Leone cropped
    Formalization

    Integrating miners into the formal economy and regulatory system for the benefit of all

  • Inside of a gold kacha concentrator
    Technical Solutions

    Reducing mercury use and improving efficiency with better practices and technologies

Featured

Cover images

On Women in Mining

Addressing Gender in the ASGM Sector

While women are active in the artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) workforce, they also typically face a range of gender-specific barriers that prevent their full participation. 

This quick guide describes approaches to address challenges faced by women in ASGM, providing select examples of planetGOLD project activities and interventions to date that have supported greater participation by women in formalization, access to finance, and adoption of new mercury-free technology. The guide also examines efforts to improve public perceptions about women in the ASGM sector through enhanced communications.

  • Webinar

    Analysis of Small-Scale Gold Supply Chain Mechanisms

    Artisanal and small-scale gold miners face various challenges in accessing formal markets. This webinar discussion reviewed our recent report assessing the efficacy of planetGOLD ASGM supply chain mechanisms with the objective of distilling key insights for similar ASGM market access initiatives. Visit the event page to view the recording and download the report in English, French or Spanish.

  • Featured

    Occupational Safety and Health in ASGM

    These materials provide an overview of occupational health and safety in artisanal and small-scale gold mining, as well as further readings and resources. Addressing OSH risks improves worker well-being, enhances productivity, and encourages responsible mining practices. 

  • Resources

    ASGM Financial Training Curriculum

    This curriculum is intended to help teach fundamental business skills to artisanal and small-scale gold miners.  In order for artisanal and small-scale mining to transition away from being a predominantly informal activity linked to social and environmental problems, and towards a formal, professional and respected livelihood activity, miners will require the business infrastructure, financial literacy and planning skills necessary to secure loans and seek out new investors. To learn more, visit the ASGM Financial Training Curriculum resource page.