The demand for precious metals such as gold, silver, and platinum has always been high. In recent years, this demand has only increased, driven by factors such as inflation, geopolitical uncertainty, and growing interest in investing. However, with the rising demand come concerns about the environmental impact and the ethical aspects of extracting and processing these metals.

The London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) is a leading organization in the precious metals industry dedicated to promoting responsible practices. In 2012, the LBMA launched the Responsible Sourcing Guidance (RSG), a set of standards aimed at ensuring sustainable and ethical practices throughout the entire supply chain of precious metals.

The RSG standards cover a wide range of areas, including:

• Environmental Protection: This includes minimizing the impact of mining activities on water, land, and air, and the use of responsible mining methods.
• Social Responsibility: This includes respecting the rights of workers and local communities, promoting safe and healthy working conditions, and combating child labor and forced labor.
• Ethical Trading Practices: This includes preventing corruption, money laundering, and other illegal activities, and ensuring transparency in the supply chain.

Companies that buy, sell, or process precious metals can become certified according to the RSG standards. This demonstrates their commitment to responsible practices and ensures that their metals come from reliable sources. For example, GoldRepublic works exclusively with such certified companies, and our bars are always newly cast 'Good Delivery' bars from LBMA-accredited refineries.

The LBMA standards play a crucial role in promoting the sustainable and ethical production of precious metals. By adhering to these standards, companies in the precious metals industry can make a positive contribution to both people and the environment.

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• Assured Responsible Origin: You can be confident that the precious metals you purchase are not from conflict zones or involved in human rights violations.
• Environmentally Conscious Choice: You support companies that are committed to minimizing the environmental impact of their activities.
• Socially Responsible Investment: You contribute to improving the living conditions of people in mining communities.

• Visit the LBMA website for a list of certified companies: https://www.lbma.org.uk/responsible-sourcing
• Ask your supplier to show their certification.
• Look for products certified by an independent third party, such as Fairtrade or Fairmined.

By choosing precious metals from certified suppliers and companies that work closely with them to sell precious metals, you can make a difference in the world. You can ensure that the metals you buy are produced responsibly and ethically, with respect for people and the environment.

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