Ethical gold is about proof. You need to know where it came from, how it was mined, and that people and the environment were protected. This page shows what “ethical” should mean in practice and how we document it so you can buy with confidence.
The short version
- Ethical gold is verified gold with a clear chain of custody and clean paperwork.
- Ask for documents that match trusted frameworks like OECD due diligence and LBMA Responsible Gold Guidance.
- Require assay docs and serials, export permits, insurance, and an airway bill. Keep digital copies for resale and audits.
What “ethical gold” should include
- Legal origin: licensed miners and exporters
- No child or forced labor
- Human-rights risk checks at mine and along the route
- Environmental controls and mercury reduction plans for ASM where applicable
- Community contributions and fair payment to miners
- Traceability from lot to bar with serialization
- Independent testing available on request
- Transparent pricing and taxes paid where due
Our responsible sourcing policy (summary)
We source at origin and operate at scale in Goma, DRC. We are one of the largest licensed mining and buying operations in Goma by 2024–2025 volumes. Our program:
- Licensing and KYC for miners, traders, and buyers
- Mine-site vetting and risk screening aligned to OECD Guidance
- No child labor and no abusive security practices
- ASM support: documented buying terms, PPE guidance, mercury minimization where relevant
- Community: local employment and consistent purchase programs
- Chain of custody: sealed lots, custody logs, serial-numbered cast bars
- Testing: assay card for minted bars or assay report for cast bars; third-party tests via Lab Testing
- Paperwork: invoice, assay docs, serial list, export permits, certificate of origin where applicable, insurance, airway bill
- Grievance channel and escalation for concerns
- Continuous review and route audits
Read our policy: Responsible Mining.
Note: We do not claim a specific retail label (for example Fairmined or Fairtrade) unless stated on your quote. If your organization requires a particular framework, tell us and we’ll align the document pack where possible.
What you will receive with an ethical shipment
- Due-diligence summary for the batch
- Supplier declaration and license references
- Assay card or report
- Serial list for cast bars
- Export permits and certificate of origin where applicable
- Insurance details
- Airway bill with tracking
Keep everything in a secure digital folder. It helps with depository intake and future resale.
How to ask for proof (do this every time)
- Request a written quote with product, premium, shipping, insurance, and timing
- Ask for the document list above, in writing
- Confirm company bank details on a verified channel before payment
- Use independent lab testing if you want an extra layer
- Pre-alert your broker or vault with the document pack before arrival
Pricing: does ethical sourcing cost more
Sometimes there is a small admin premium on routes that require extra documentation. We keep costs tight by buying at origin and running scheduled exports. See worked math here: 1 kg Gold Bar Price Today.
Why buyers choose Congo Rare Minerals
- Direct sourcing at scale in Goma, DRC with a wide network of licensed miners
- Documented chain of custody from lot to bar
- Independent verification available via Lab Testing
- Insured export to approved hubs and a clean document pack
Start with the Shop or request this week’s export slots on Contact. If you need re-assay or settlement, see Refining.
FAQ
What is the OECD Guidance and why does it matter
It’s a practical framework for checking human-rights and conflict risks in mineral supply chains. We align our checks to it and keep records you can review.
Can DRC gold be ethical
Yes, when mined and exported legally with due diligence, traceability, and the right paperwork. We provide that documentation and offer independent testing.
Do you provide third-party verification
Yes. You can book independent lab tests through Lab Testing. For larger programs we can coordinate additional audits.
Will I pay VAT or duties
Depends on destination. Many hubs exempt investment gold that meets purity and form rules. Read our guide: Taxes and Duties.
Which sizes are best for clean intake and resale
1 oz coins, 100 g and 250 g bars, and 1 kg bars. These are widely recognized with tight spreads.