A group of 11 organisations within the gold and jewellery sector has issued an open letter requesting more precise definitions of “recycled” gold.
This initiative, aimed at regulatory bodies such as the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA), the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), and the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI), seeks to prevent potential greenwashing by aligning the term with actual sustainability efforts.
Concerns Over Definitions
The letter points out the current ambiguity surrounding the term “recycled” gold, which can be exploited in marketing and potentially confuse consumers. Organisations such as the Alliance for Responsible Mining, Artisanal Gold Council, and Ethical Metalsmiths highlight that a lack of standardised definitions could undermine true sustainability initiatives.
Impact on Artisanal Mining
The communication underscores the importance of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) which supports the livelihoods of approximately 100 million people globally.
The organisations express concern that an exclusive focus on “recycled” gold might overlook the needs of ASM communities, thus missing a broader opportunity to improve social and environmental conditions within the industry.
Recommendations for Improvement
- Unified Definitions – The signatories suggest that the industry should adopt a consistent definition of “recycled” gold that matches international, legal, and normative definitions of recycling, distinguishing between ‘recycled gold’ derived from waste and ‘reprocessed gold’ from other sources.
- OECD Guidance Adjustment – The letter calls for the OECD to adjust its due diligence guidance for responsible mineral supply chains to better reflect the definitions of recycled gold and comply with waste legislation in OECD countries.
- Involvement of Stakeholders – It is recommended that civil society, NGOs, and consumer organisations be involved in the process of defining “recycled” gold to ensure that standards are robust and meaningful.
- Carbon Footprint Methodology Transparency – The organisations advocate for transparency in how companies calculate the carbon footprint of gold and suggest alignment with independent scientific research.
Industry Implications
For the jewellery industry, establishing a standardised definition of “recycled” gold could lead to clearer consumer communication and more responsible sourcing practices.
This effort could also better position the industry to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals, especially in promoting responsible consumption and production.
The ongoing discussions about recycled gold are likely to affect environmental strategies and the economic conditions within the gold mining sector, particularly regarding support for artisanal mining communities.
To read full letter, visit here