The Gold Standard for Artisanal Gold
A private-label certification for responsible small-scale mining
Because the miners who need standards most are the ones ISO leaves behind.
The Problem
Existing Standards Exclude Small-Scale Miners
ISO certifications cost thousands. Audits require infrastructure that artisanal miners don't have. The result? 20 million small-scale miners locked out of legitimate markets, pushed toward informal channels.
The Standard
What We Certify
GreenStandard is built for reality, not paperwork.
Mercury-Free Processing
Verified elimination or reduction of mercury in gold extraction
Fair Labor Practices
No child labor, safe working conditions, fair compensation
Environmental Stewardship
Land rehabilitation, water protection, minimal ecosystem disruption
Chain of Custody
From mine to market, every gram tracked
Community Benefit
Local investment, shared prosperity, transparent governance
Certification
How to Get Certified
A practical path designed for cooperatives and small operations.
Apply
Submit basic information about your operation. No fees to apply.
Assessment
On-site evaluation by trained assessors from the mining community.
Improvement Plan
Work with us to address gaps. Certification is a journey, not a gatekeep.
Certification
Receive GreenStandard certification. Gain access to GreenLabel marketplace.
The Ecosystem
Part of Something Bigger
GreenStandard connects miners to markets through a complete ecosystem.
Stay Informed
Updates on certification, standards development, and the artisanal gold ecosystem