planetGOLD Criteria for Environmentally and Socially Responsible Operations

The planetGOLD programme sets out specific criteria to govern the operations of artisanal and small-scale gold mining entities engaged with the programme. Conformance with the criteria will ensure that artisanal and small-scale miners participating in the planetGOLD programme undertake sufficient efforts to avoid, minimize, mitigate, and where appropriate, offset adverse impacts to people and the environment. By adhering to these criteria, mining entities will be able to meet the environmental and social safeguards required of GEF-funded projects and will enhance their ability to attract financing and sell their gold products to formal markets.

The planetGOLD Criteria have been aligned to the CRAFT Code and can be recognized as a branched version of CRAFT. In this way, the mining entities that conform with planetGOLD Criteria will also be in conformance with CRAFT as well as other key guidance and codes described below.

In addition to incorporating elements of the CRAFT Code, the planetGOLD Criteria include three criteria that are specific to the planetGOLD programme: 

• Eliminating mercury in the mining process
• Respecting and protecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples
• Minimizing impact on biodiversity

1. REVIEW THE CRITERIA GUIDANCE:

• CRAFT Code
• The planetGOLD Criteria for Environmentally and Socially Responsible Operations:

English   French   Spanish

2. REPORTING: Submitted together, the planetGOLD Environmental and Social Risk Verification Form and the CRAFT report constitute a completed planetGOLD Assessment Report

• CRAFT Code Report Template
• The planetGOLD Environmental and Social Risk Verification Form:

English    French    Spanish

For additional guidance visit our Due Diligence Resources page