Projects, collaborations and other important activities
Traceability: new peaks reached
The concepts of traceability and separation of
precious metal reached new levels in 2020: the use
of new technologies provided a further check of the
origin of metals and positively certified their source.
Lower CO2 emissions on the entire chain
The impact of CO2 emissions generated on the chain
and the origin of raw materials are becoming important
criteria for responsible supply. We have been working
to reduce CO2 emissions from our facilities for many
years, and are now formally extending this effort to
the entire value chain. After analysing the emissions
generated on the extraction chain, we will launch a major
project to involve our stakeholders and create a virtuous
cycle of improved processes to reduce CO2 emissions.
However, to achieve success, we do not want to
focus only on recycled precious metal,
i.e., on scrap, already aware that this material
generates significantly lower CO2 emissions, but instead
will launch projects with our mining partners to decarbonise
their operations.
Microloans for artisanal and small-scale mines
Argor-Heraeus has worked for many years to help
artisanal and small-scale mines formalise their practices
in order to enter the official precious metals market.
We are one of the industry’s pioneers and a founding
member of some of the main initiatives in this regard, including:
In 2020, we laid the foundations for a microloan project for these mines so that they may become economically independent as soon as possible.
Recertifications confirm our work
We work constantly to maintain and update the
certifications that govern our industry, and received
numerous recertifications in 2020: Fairmined and Fairtrade,
LBMA gold and silver, LPPM Platinum and Palladium, RJC Code
of Practices, RJC Chain of Custody, LRD.