Gold Industry sings Declaration of Responsibility and Sustainability Principles

The gold industry has come together, convened by LBMA and World Gold Council, to sign a Declaration of Responsibility and Sustainability Principles which formally expresses a shared commitment to operating in a responsible and sustainable way based on clear set of shared goals.

The Declaration was announced at the LBMA/LPPM Global Precious Metals Conference in Lisbon on 18th October. “The gold supply chain is complex and global, and industry participants are on different stages of their sustainability journey. I am pleased that we have been able to define a shared pathway to progress and unite our industry around these Principles,” commented Ruth Crowell, CEO at the LBMA.

Signatories to the Declaration are LBMA, World Gold Council (WGC), Singapore Bullion Market Association (SBMA), China Gold Association, Swiss Association of Precious Metals Producers and Traders, London Metal Exchange (LME), Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), Indian Gold Policy Centre (IGPC), Indian Bullion  and Jewellery Association (IBJA), Indian International Bullion Exchange (IIBX) and World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO), Artisanal Gold Council (AGC), Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), and the Watch and Jewellery Initiative 2030.

In all, this group has agreed ten key sustainability objectives, including commitments to responsible sourcing standards, respect for Human Rights, the advancement of the UN SDGs, and action and disclosures on climate change. “By coming together in this way, we can demonstrate our collective commitment to responsible and sustainable business practices,” added Crowell.

Participation of gold industry

Gold industry participants understand that environmental and social concerns are increasingly important in shaping investment and policy decisions, as well as wider consumer and societal expectations. Whilst there has been significant progress in addressing many issues through industry-led initiatives and performance standards, it is important and timely that the gold sector adopts a clear collective statement of awareness and intent. “It is very pleasing to see the gold industry co-operate in this way, from mine to market, to commit to these Principles of Responsibility and Sustainability,” said David Tait, CEO at the World Gold Council.

As part of the commitment to the declaration, Signatories agreed to closer collaboration and reporting on progress in the implementation of these Principles. They will also be able to demonstrate their commitment through adherence to initiatives that are designed for specific activities within the supply chain, such as the World Gold Council’s Responsible Gold Mining Principles and the LBMA’s Responsible Gold Guidance. “The gold industry has made great progress in recent years in ensuring gold is responsibly produced, but there is still plenty work to be done to ensure we work together to identify solutions and maximise our beneficial impacts,” explained Tait.

Building on the Declaration, gold industry players will continue to work with governments, international organisations, other private sector actors, and civil society to define and support robust standards of integrity and governance. “I believe this is just the starting point, as we move to improve collaboration across the supply chain for the benefit of all stakeholders, end-users and the future of the gold industry,” Tait concluded.

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