The Artisanal Gold™ Fund is an improvement fund financed through the trade of gold, and other initiatives. The fund is managed by the Artisanal Gold Council. To support the fund, we are developing mercury-free artisanal gold products from new artisanal production. We are also investigating trading gold that entered the global pool from artisanal mining over the last 150 years[i]. Proceeds generated contribute directly to environmental stewardship, poverty alleviation and health improvement programs for artisanal mining communities. Reduction in the use of mercury in artisanal and small scale gold mining (ASGM) is a key part of these programs. This is a priority of the United Nations’ forthcoming global treaty on mercury. The programs are also designed to help stabilize the relationship between ASGM and governments, industry and society. The fund is dedicated to improving the gold industry by improving the opportunities and conditions of the millions of marginalized poor people involved in it.

Investing in the fund sends a clear message that small scale miners are a legitimate and important source of wealth for the world’s rural poor, and that the ASGM industry can be improved and become sustainable.

Invest in the Artisanal Gold™ Fund for social responsibility

The millions of miners working in poor conditions in the developing world need help. Their activities can result in significant environmental and social impacts, however, the wealth they generate is widely recognized by world bodies, such as the UN and World Bank, to be an important opportunity to escape poverty and develop their communities. Helping miners to derive the greatest benefit from this opportunity, while minimizing the environmental and social consequences, requires innovation, broad collaboration, and access to capital. The Artisanal Gold™ Fund will help this opportunity be realized, and in doing so, help improve the gold sector at large.

Why invest in the Artisanal Gold™ Fund?

Environmental
There are serious environmental problems associated with ASGM, including deforestation and other habitat destruction, water pollution, and release of toxic chemicals. For example ASGM is the world’s largest user of mercury, a highly toxic metal. Releases of mercury to the environment from ASGM in 2011 are more than1200 tonnes per year according to www.mercurywatch.org. This mercury travels around the globe through the atmosphere, and contaminates the world’s fisheries, affecting all fish eaters. Investing in this fund ensures reductions in mercury emissions from ASGM, thus reducing global mercury pollution.

Social
Gold represents an excellent method of transferring wealth from rich to poor countries. Small producers often get 70% of the international price - not true for any other product. This wealth can play a strong role in community development with appropriate guidance.

Economical
By improving gold mining practices, this fund will improve the reputation of the gold sector at large, and help grow and diversify it.

Creating Sustainable Economic Growth
This fund stimulates sustainability in poor communities around the world and demonstrates practical solutions to issues surrounding ASGM.

Creating shared value
Investing in the Artisanal Gold™ Fund allows companies and individuals the opportunity to build social value into their investment strategy. It supports the ethical evolution of the gold industry.