Así opera la iniciativa suiza que busca promover la producción de oro de manera responsable The Swiss Better Gold (SBG) initiative, operating in Colombia since 2017, is entering a new phase to enhance the positive impact of responsible gold mining. It focuses on promoting traceability and the legal origin of Colombian gold by assisting artisanal and small-scale miners in meeting specific environmental, social, and governance criteria. To date, SBG has facilitated the export of approximately 20 tons of responsibly sourced gold, generating nearly $15 million in premiums invested in local communities and training over 11,000 producers.

• Swiss Better Gold (SBG) initiative aims to promote responsible and traceable gold mining from small-scale producers to the Swiss market.
• The program helps miners improve environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, requiring compliance with 27 criteria.
• SBG has supported the export of around 20 tons of responsible gold, generating approximately $15 million in premiums for community and mine improvements.
• Over 11,000 producers have been trained, indirectly benefiting around 145,000 people.
• The initiative is expanding into Ecuador and exploring chains in Africa (Tanzania, Ghana, Ivory Coast) and Asia (Mongolia).
• The program’s new phase involves a stronger leadership role for the private sector in implementing supply chains, complemented by public sector regulatory support.
• Challenges in Colombia include informality, organized crime, environmental and social issues, and security concerns.
• Traceability is crucial to verify the origin and production methods of gold.
• Mine accreditation lasts for two years and requires renewal, with ongoing third-party verifications.
• SBG promotes a principle of proportionality, recognizing that all mines can improve their performance regardless of size.