World Gold Council and EITI sign three-year MoU on artisanal gold

The World Gold Council and the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative have signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding to push for better governance, traceability and formalisation in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM). The partnership aims to tackle corruption, smuggling and illicit financial flows while encouraging responsible sourcing and reducing environmental and social harm - issues that affect the integrity of global gold supply chains.

What the agreement sets out to do

The MoU establishes a cooperation framework between the WGC and the EITI International Secretariat to strengthen ASGM governance and traceability. Activities listed include joint publications and guidance, pilot projects, knowledge sharing and international convenings. A core focus is improving due diligence and the responsible integration of artisanal gold into formal supply chains.

How the work will be delivered in countries

The partnership says it will build on national EITI implementation and existing multi-stakeholder groups in implementing countries. The EITI notes that 56 countries already commit to disclosing extractive-sector data under its standard; the MoU will explore in‑country pilots that lean on that structure to improve transparency, oversight and responsible sourcing practices.

What this means for the market

Greater traceability and formalisation could, over time, reduce the volume of illicitly traded gold and widen the pool of verified artisanal supply available to refiners and buyers. That matters for anyone watching the reliability of physical supply. The partnership is a framework rather than a delivery plan - progress will depend on pilot results, government co‑operation and how quickly traceability measures can be scaled. The agreement runs for an initial three years and dovetails with the Global Coalition for Action on ASGM, but measurable effects on trade flows or pricing are likely to be gradual.

Who spoke for the organisations

David Tait, CEO of the World Gold Council, and Mark Robinson, Executive Director of the EITI International Secretariat, set out the rationale for combining the WGC’s traceability work with EITI’s transparency expertise.