The gold component in Colombia seeks to strengthen formal small-scale gold mining as a viable alternative to informality, demonstrating that it is possible to comply with social, environmental, and human rights standards without losing competitiveness. ARM leads the implementation, drawing on its experience in certifications (Fairmined, CRAFT) and direct work with mining communities.

The project is based on a characterization study aimed at understanding the social, regulatory, environmental, and economic conditions of formal miners in prioritized regions (Antioquia, Southern Bolívar, Caldas, Cauca, and Chocó). Based on these findings, the project develops processes for training, organizational strengthening, and linkage with responsible markets.

The central focus is to highlight already formalized miners as positive examples, generating replicable learnings to address informality in Colombia and across the region.

Su enfoque central es visibilizar a los mineros formalizados como referentes positivos, generando aprendizajes replicables para enfrentar la informalidad en Colombia y en la región.

Promote collaboration between mining companies of different scales, the government, and local communities in mining territories, to transform the sector into an engine of sustainable economic growth, social equity, and responsible environmental management.

• Formal small-scale gold mining organizations in Antioquia, Bolívar, Caldas, Cauca, and Chocó.
• Mining communities, with an emphasis on women and youth.
• Local authorities and public institutions linked to the sector.

• Mining companies, especially small-scale ones, gain knowledge to meet international standards and commit to respecting human rights and promoting local development.
• Local and national governments acquire knowledge and evidence to monitor, recommend, and complement public policies related to small-scale mining.
• Joint frameworks and collaboration networks among companies, authorities, and communities foster trust, the sharing of good practices, and progress toward more sustainable mining.
• Artisanal and informal miners, particularly women, actively participate in collaborative spaces and strengthen their capacities to protect their rights and improve sustainability practices.
• Increased participation and leadership of women in formal small-scale mining.
• Positive visibility of formal gold mining as a driver of local and cultural development.