Better gold from South AmericaSECO helps entrepreneurs in developing countries integrate into the global economy and take part in value creation.
Let us show you how we help ensure that Peruvian, Colombian and Bolivian gold miners work under responsible conditions – and how this makes it possible to purchase watches and jewellery made of “clean” gold in Switzerland.
For entrepreneurs to benefit from the value creation of products, they must be able to produce efficiently and operate on international markets. Sustainability standards based on good economic governance avoid grievances such as child labour, the improper use of chemical substances or illegal deforestation.
SECO advocates sustainable value chains with gold from small-scale mining, where roughly 90 percent of all gold miners work. Small-scale mining provides subsistence for around 100 million people, primarily in developing countries in Latin America, Africa and Asia. With simple methods and under dangerous conditions, these miners mine small quantities of gold, which make up for 10 to 20 percent of the global amount.
SECO has launched a public-private partnership with key players on the Swiss gold market. These include refineries, goldsmiths, watch manufacturers, financial institutions and investors. The Swiss Better Gold helps small mines in Peru, Columbia and Bolivia to produce gold responsibly and export it to Switzerland. Four of the world's largest gold refineries are based in Switzerland. Together, they process one third of the gold mined globally. This makes Switzerland a leader in international gold processing.
Swiss Better Gold also integrates voluntary sustainability standards such as Fairtrade Gold, the Alliance for Responsible Mining or the Responsible Jewellery Council are the basis of the initiative. It helps small mines and mining cooperatives improve their technical, organisational, social and ecological conditions and to acquire quality seal certification in the process. The initiative also promotes the political dialogue with the authorities in order to support small-scale mining adapt to sustainability standards.
Sofia Huasco
Member, Cooperativa San Lucas
On the other side of the value chain, buyers in Switzerland pay a surcharge for the fairly produced gold from Swiss Better Gold. They pay the gold mines a premium for their people and environmentally friendly production. Thus, the initiative funds both social and ecological projects.
Sofia Huasco
Member, Cooperativa San Lucas
The Better Gold Initiative aims to import around 5 tonnes of gold into Switzerland each year. This enables consumers to buy watches, jewellery, electronic devices and financial products made with responsibly mined gold. So far, more than 30,000 women, men and children in the partner countries have benefited directly or indirectly from Swiss Better Gold.
Integration in value chains
Integration in value chains
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Better gold from South America
