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

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New Resources

Analysis of ASGM Financial Access Interventions

The planetGOLD programme has been exploring options for and promoting access to finance for artisanal and small-scale miners as part of the effort to drive the adoption of mercury-free processing technologies. This resource page features detailed case studies from 8 planetGOLD projects documenting ASGM access to financial mechanisms planned, developed or tested in these countries. 

 

An additional set of case studies summarizes financial access models undertaken by six different initiatives outside the planetGOLD programme. 

  • 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

    Agreements and Engagement with Rightsholders in ASGM

    This report provides guidance for planetGOLD mine entities to conform with the planetGOLD Criteria for Environmentally and Socially Responsible Operations, specifically one criterion that requires mine entities to consult with and seek free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) from any Indigenous or tribal community whose rights or lands may be impacted.

  • 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.