A Closer Look
Gold Overview
Gold
What Gold Really Tells Us
Gold is a symbol of wealth, beauty, and permanence — but its supply chain is often anything but transparent. From wedding rings to circuit boards, gold is everywhere. The global market exceeds $200 billion annually, yet much of it flows through informal and high-risk channels (OECD, 2023).
The Problem: Illegality, Conflict, and Hidden Origins
An estimated 20% of the world’s gold supply comes from artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM), which is often linked to:
Illegal operations in protected lands
Environmental degradation (mercury use, deforestation)
Human rights abuses and child labor
Conflict finance and smuggling
The gold supply chain is long, fragmented, and intentionally opaque — with refining hubs like the UAE and Switzerland acting as chokepoints for bulk, mixed-origin metal.
This opacity undermines legitimate producers and makes compliance nearly impossible for downstream buyers.
The Cost: Regulatory Risk and Reputational Exposure
Without traceability, refiners, brands, and jewelers risk:
Violating due diligence frameworks (OECD, EU Conflict Minerals Regulation, US Dodd-Frank Act)
Losing certification from organizations like LBMA or RJC
Consumer distrust due to greenwashing or unverified claims
Governments and institutional buyers increasingly demand proof that gold is not linked to armed groups, environmental harm, or illegal activity.
The Opportunity: Traceability for Ethical Gold
With end-to-end traceability, stakeholders can:
Verify mine origin, chain of custody, and refining process
Differentiate between legal ASM, industrial, and recycled sources
Meet international due diligence and ESG disclosure standards
As Jochen Baumeister, supply chain expert at GIZ, puts it: “Ethical gold is only as real as the data that backs it up.”
What We’re Doing About It
Palmyra is working with gold mining cooperatives, refiners, and trading hubs to enable digital traceability for ethical gold.
Our tools allow:
Mine registration and GPS-based site verification
Secure logging of production, transport, and refining events
Automated documentation aligned with OECD Annex II and EU conflict minerals law
Whether you’re sourcing for jewelry, electronics, or investment — Palmyra helps ensure your gold story is one of transparency and trust.
“We mine legally. But only with traceability can we prove it — and earn what it’s worth.”
— Carlos Mejía, Gold miner, Peru
Traceability Isn’t About Tech — It’s About Accountability
Gold’s future isn’t just about shine — it’s about substance. And substance starts with proof.
The 2025 Checklist for Traceable and Trusted Cocoa
Daniel Friedman
Founder and CEO Palmyra®
From Olive Groves to Blockchain:
Greek Olive Oil Tokenization
Main Regions
Nigeria
Boki, Nigeria
Focus Areas
Traceability
Tokenization
Solutions
Palmyra Pro
Palmyra App
MOUs Signed
Municipality of Rhodes
Municipality of Messini