ESG concerns: How green is gold?

Gold has not been immune to ESG shift

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues have moved to the forefront of investors’ minds. The gold industry has not been immune from this shift, but as one of the few tangible, globally recognised assets, gold investment includes a series of unique ESG considerations not always recognised or understood.

The world's wholesale, physical gold market is centred in London under the auspices of LBMA (London Bullion Market Association), some of whose Members participate in the familiar twice-daily price auction.  Daily London and loco-London turnover in Q4 2021 equalled some $51bn, but beyond trading, LBMA's Members - and accredited precious metals refineries across the world - are responsible for ensuring that the gold and silver delivered into London is responsibly sourced. This is more complex than it may seem. Provenance A priority for traders and investors is knowing where the metal ...