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The Gold Challenge 2030

Companies and consumers have different opportunities to be part of the Gold Challenge 2030 and contribute to more responsible sourced and produced gold. The goal of the challenge is to reach 100% responible sourced and produced gold. Although ambitious, together we can reach this target!

What can companies do to be part of this challenge?

1.    Become a member of the responsible gold agreement
On Monday 19 June 2017, producers of electronics and jewellery, recyclers, civil society organisations and the Dutch government signed the multi-stakeholder agreement for a responsible gold value chain. The Agreement aims to have a substantial positive impact on the global gold value chain and will combat potential adverse effects on human rights and the environment. By working together, companies, civil society organisations and government aspire to increase the demand for, and the supply of, gold that is extracted and produced under improved social and environmental conditions.

Gold is used in various Dutch industries – notably jewellery and electronics – and as a form of savings and investment. While there are no gold mines in the Netherlands, a number of Dutch recyclers specialise in recovering gold from electronic waste. The initial signatories of the Agreement on International Responsible Business Conduct for the Gold Sector include companies in the jewellery, recycling and electronics industries.

More information about the Agreement on https://www.internationalrbc.org/?sc_lang=en


2.    Become a member of the European Partnership for Responsible Minerals (EPRM)

The European Partnership for Responsible Minerals (EPRM) is a multi-stakeholder partnership aiming to increase the proportion of responsibly-produced minerals from conflict-affected and high risk areas and to support the socially responsible extraction of minerals that contributes to local development.
EPRM focuses on four conflict minerals: tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold. These minerals have a range of applications in important technical sectors, including ICT, automobiles, energy, health care, electronic devices, aerospace, defence and telecommunications.

Why EPRM?

A number of regions in the world  that are endowed with these minerals, for example  Africa’s Great Lakes Region and Colombia, are experiencing prolonged violent conflicts and severe human rights abuses. International trade in minerals can play a significant role in financing and perpetuating human rights violations in these  conflict regions. It is therefore imperative to break the link between mineral extraction and conflict.

For more info, see www.responsibleminerals.eu or contact the secretriat via eprm@rvo.nl

What can consumers do to be part of this challenge?

  • Ask questions about the origin of the gold used, for instance when you buy a wedding ring.
  • Check whether a company has an honest trade policy for the materials they use in the products you buy.
  • Look for information on responsible sourcing to become more aware of the gold and other materials used in the products you use on a day-to-day basis like mobile phones, tablets and laptops.

Find more information about the Agreement on https://www.internationalrbc.org/?sc_lang=en