As the world’s second largest gold producer, the Australian gold industry is a global leader in mining and manufacturing gold in a responsible manner.
With a broad participation extending from prospectors and small explorers to global producers, mining equipment and service suppliers, secure carriers, refiners and jewellery manufacturers, there are varying laws and standards of conduct that the Gold Industry Group’s members comply with.
Our members ensure that gold is produced responsibly and sustainably across our nation, while providing jobs for over 55,000 Australians, hundreds of millions in revenue to the Government and billions of export dollars.
Environment
Gold Industry Group members seek the support of, and work in partnership with, Government and local communities to manage and mitigate the environmental impacts of gold exploration, development and production. Sustainable development also involves rehabilitation upon mine closure to leave a positive legacy for the community.
In addition to complying with applicable environmental laws and regulations, examples of voluntary initiatives include:
Developing on-site energy microgrids utilising renewable energies such as wind or solar, and combining these with gas and battery storage
Cyanide-free gold mining, as developed by CSIRO
Ranger employment programs which engage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as environmental experts, and provide core environmental compliance services
Championing community environment and education programs
Compliance with the World Gold Council’s Responsible Gold Mining Principles
Diversity
Gold Industry Group members acknowledge the importance of a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which they operate. The health, safety, wellbeing and respect of the many people who choose to work in our sector, and the communities that the gold industry works with and supports, remains our top priority. Members actively work to increase the representation of minority groups across age, ethnicity, ability and experience at all levels of their companies.
Our members respect Indigenous traditional rights and culture and many recruit and develop people from neighbouring Indigenous communities as well as support community programs that create generational change and opportunity.
The Gold Industry Group has long recognised that the continuing success of the gold sector requires an ongoing leadership commitment, backed up by tangible actions, to creating safe, respectful and inclusive working environments that reflect the diversity of the Australian community. The following Gold Industry Group programs, events and partnerships strongly reflect that shared commitment:
Our annual Women in Gold Great Diversity Debate events, which seek to challenge and engage members in current issues relating to diversity and inclusion;
Our Gold Jobs website, which showcases the diverse range of opportunities in the sector to current and future job-seekers;
Our National Gold Education Program, which seeks to educate and spark the next generation of industry leaders; and
Our landmark partnership with Netball WA, West Coast Fever and Shooting Stars, which celebrates women’s sport and supports the education, development, and promotion of strong female leaders.
The Gold Industry Group is proud to be represented by a gender balanced board of directors comprised of senior executives from across the gold industry, with its first female Chair Kelly Carter appointed earlier this year and led by Chief Executive Officer Rebecca Johnston.
Health and Safety
Gold Industry Group members make the health and safety of their employees and communities their top priority.
They adhere to local Work, Health and Safety laws and regulations with the objective to eliminate fatalities, injuries and occupational illnesses from their businesses.
In addition to physical safety, we value the mental wellbeing of our workforce which is why the Gold Industry Group has a long-standing community partnership with metal health charity LIVIN, to deliver their LIVINWell program to a multitude of member head offices and operations around the nation, in addition to their surrounding communities.
Human Rights
While Australia is a low risk country with respect to human rights abuses, a number of our members operate globally or source gold from outside Australia. Gold Industry Group members have developed frameworks in line with Australia’s recently introduced Modern Slavery Act 2018, ensuring companies they engage do not cause, support or benefit unlawful armed conflict or contribute to human rights abuses either directly or via their suppliers or other business relationships.
In addition, some members also comply with the:
World Gold Council’s Conflict-Free Gold Standard
London Bullion Market Association’s Responsible Sourcing Programme
Conflict-Free Smelter Program developed by the Electronic Industry Citizenship Coalition and Global Sustainability Initiative
Jewellery manufacturing certification from the Responsible Jewellery Council
Ethical Conduct
Bribery, corruption, and anti-competitive behaviour are illegal in Australia and our members hold their employees to the highest standards of ethical behaviour. Many of our members also have whistleblowing policies to encourage and support their employees to report any instances of suspected unethical, illegal or fraudulent behaviour.