Goal
To support responsible production and trade of artisanal gold in Côte d’Ivoire.
The Context
Gold mining is seen as a significant potential driver of Côte d’Ivoire’s economy. The government has adopted a new mining code, and Ivorian gold deposits are attracting numerous foreign investors and large mining companies.
Information gathered by IMPACT in 2017 revealed that artisanal gold production in the country is considerable, but data on artisanal gold production and exports are lacking. According to available information, the sector employs thousands of people across more than 150 mining sites.
However, it is characterized by precarious and insecure conditions. Smuggling and illicit trade also represent a major problem, resulting in lost tax revenue each year.
International policies and regulatory frameworks promote due diligence and aim to support responsible sourcing of minerals. Many companies are required to report on their gold supply chain, collecting data on the minerals, the actors in the chain, and the steps taken. Companies must publicly report on weaknesses in their supply chain and the measures taken to mitigate risks, in order to prove that they are not financing human rights abuses or corruption.
To improve organization, the Ivorian government has implemented a plan to formalize and regulate the artisanal gold mining sector. IMPACT intends to support the efforts of the Ivorian government to formalize the artisanal gold mining sector and thus promote access to the international market for traceable and responsible artisanal gold.
What We Are Doing
The Just Gold project aims to support artisanal gold miners in Côte d’Ivoire increase their production and trade of responsible artisanal gold. To achieve this, the project helps local stakeholders become part of a transparent and verifiable supply chain.
IMPACT collaborates with artisanal miners, traders, and exporters to create incentives that promote a legal sales channel. IMPACT provides capacity building to implement the traceability and due diligence required under the Just Gold project, in accordance with regional and international standards. In addition, IMPACT supports miners in participating in the formal economy, while promoting gender equality and responsible environmental management.
1.7kg
responsible gold exported to LBMA-accredited refiner
27kg
gold produced and traced by cooperative
2020
first traceable and legal artisanal gold from Cote d’Ivoire to LBMA-accredited refiner
Project Stories
Story
An Ivorian Artisanal Mining Cooperative Breaks Barriers on the International Market
Since 2019, we have worked with the mining cooperative COOPEDA in Dabakala, to implement the Just Gold traceability and due diligence system. Over the course of the project, the cooperative […]
Read More for An Ivorian Artisanal Mining Cooperative Breaks Barriers on the International Market
Press Releases & News
First Responsible, Traceable, and Commercially-Viable Artisanal Gold Supply Chain Operational in Côte d’Ivoire
The Just Gold project is the first to successfully trace responsible artisanal gold from mine site to export according to international standards September 16, 2020—Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire After a first […]
Read More for First Responsible, Traceable, and Commercially-Viable Artisanal Gold Supply Chain Operational in Côte d’Ivoire
