May 2/3, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
Context
The current energy transition implies a highly growing demand for metals. Therefore, a strong increase in metal production is expected, with an accelerating depletion of geological deposits, which are becoming increasingly difficult and expensive to exploit, leading to soaring prices. Illegal mining in particular is booming, as it offers economic opportunities to precarious populations. However, this type of mining is also the least likely to comply with social and environmental standards, for reasons of cost and complexity, especially as the mining countries often face problems of governance and a lack of means to enforce them.
The traceability of raw materials and transparency in the supply chain are therefore major issues, which will become even more important in the years to come, both for the extraction countries and for the countries where the processing industries are located. In the former, it is essential that states be able to control the conditions of production so that operators can access a legal supply chain. In the latter case, it is a question of guarding against reputational risks. Public opinion is increasingly aware of the social and environmental impacts of mining, and there is a strong demand for guarantees regarding the origin of metals and the sustainability of their production.
Objectives
The aim of this international workshop on Gold Traceability is to contribute to the technical, economic, social, institutional and political reflection on the traceability of metals, particularly of gold. Bringing together scientists from different disciplines and stakeholders in the gold value chain in Switzerland and abroad – industrialists, representatives of the political world, civil society and international institutions – it will allow the presentation and discussion of the various technical and institutional options available. The exchanges will be structured around the following four topics.
Session 1, Tuesday, May 2, morning
Traceability and anti-counterfeiting tools
What do we mean by traceability and authentication? What are the existing tools? What needs do they meet? How are they implemented?
With presentations and live demonstration from developers of traceability tools.
Session 2, Tuesday, May 2, afternoon
Challenges of gold traceability – the point of view of mining countries
What does gold traceability bring to the various stakeholders in producing countries? What are the technical, institutional and political obstacles to its implementation?
With presentations by speakers from governments, mining representatives, NGOs, and universities from Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ivory Coast and DRC and a local refinery from Colombia.
Session 3, Wednesday, May 3, morning
Challenges of gold traceability – the Swiss point of view
What does gold traceability bring to the various stakeholders in Switzerland? What are the expectations towards traceability tools? What are the technical, institutional and political obstacles to its implementation? Who pays for the cost of traceability?
The participants will be subdivided in workgroups who will afterwards share the outputs explored in a plenary session.
Session 4, Wednesday, May 3, afternoon
The future of traceability tools
What to do with traceability tools? Should they be institutionalized?
Panel discussion with representatives of institutions.
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Location: |
Palais de Rumine, Lausanne |
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Program: |
Tuesday, May 2nd, 2023 |
| Wednesday, May 3rd, 2023 | |
| Information and registration: | |
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Registration fees:
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For coffee breaks and aperitif lunch:
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Contact:
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PD Dr Barbara Beck |
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| Scientific committee | |
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