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Fiona Hutmacher

Manager

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CASE STUDIES

Enhancing responsible gold production in line with the LBMA Guidance

Close up image of gold smelting in sustainable gold production

SUMMARY: This case study explains how a gold mining company in Mali can align operations with LBMA Responsible Gold Guidance. It highlights how ESG diagnostic assessments can identify gaps in management systems, improve due diligence and strengthen risk identification. It also shows how structured roadmaps support better environmental and social performance, community relations and long-term regulatory and market readiness.

Driving responsible gold production in Mali

Gold mining is the backbone of Mali’s economy. Mali, Africa’s third-biggest exporter of gold, relies heavily on this precious metal, which accounts for nearly 10% of the country’s GDP and half of its state revenues. Beyond economic metrics, gold mining supports numerous livelihoods across the nation. Away from the more unstable north, one Gold Mining Company is on a mission to advance responsible mining practices.

The Company operates a gold project in southern Mali. It has committed to aligning its operations with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards, such as the London Bullion Market Association’s (LBMA) Responsible Gold Guidance. The Company’s management team recognised that aligning would benefit the mine and its stakeholders by;

  • Mitigating negative ESG impacts to improve production, strengthen community relationships and help maintain a social license to operate.
  • Enhancing market competitiveness by addressing the growing demand for compliance with international ESG standards.
  • Future-proofing the business by strengthening existing management systems so that they are resilient to future challenges.

The journey to responsible production

Strengthening ESG management systems and standards requires time and dedicated effort. To ensure that resources were directed toward activities that would have the most impact, the Company asked Kumi to complete a diagnostic assessment to identify improvement opportunities. Our assessment included:

Next step: Implementation

Following our support, the Company has a structured roadmap to formalise its management systems, strengthen due diligence and risk identification processes, and establish an operational-level grievance mechanism. As the Company advances its ESG practices, Kumi will continue to provide implementation support and guidance as needed.

Molten gold being poured during processing linking to responsible gold sourcing

Frequently asked questions

  • What does “responsible gold production” actually require?

    It requires identifying and managing human rights, environmental, and governance risks throughout operations and supply chains.

  • Why does LBMA alignment matter?

    LBMA alignment is often essential for market access and customer confidence, especially in precious metals supply chains.

  • What gaps do refiners commonly face?

    Weak grievance mechanisms, incomplete risk documentation, and over‑reliance on audits are common issues.

  • Can audits alone demonstrate responsibility?

    Audits are snapshots, not proof of ongoing risk management.

  • How do companies show continuous improvement?

    Through documented risk mitigation, supplier engagement, and governance oversight.

  • Is this relevant outside the gold sector?

    Yes. The principles apply across mineral supply chains.

Fiona Hutmacher

Senior Consultant

Contact Fiona