The CRAFT Code 2.1 is now fully aligned with the OECD Guidance. A key step towards responsible sourcing in artisanal mining.
RESOLVE and the Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM) are celebrating a significant milestone in responsible mining with the launch of the CRAFT Code version 2.1. This update marks a critical step forward in creating ethical and transparent supply chains for the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector. CRAFT is now fully aligned with the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals in Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas. As a key collaborator on CRAFT 2.1 with ARM, RESOLVE has played a pivotal role in promoting and supporting the evolution of CRAFT, helping to empower miners and ensure responsible sourcing practices throughout the global mineral supply chain.
What Makes CRAFT 2.1 a Game-Changer?
The CRAFT Code is an established, trusted framework that continues to grow in use, driving progressive improvement in ASM practices through open-source collaboration. With version 2.1, the Code takes a significant step by ensuring full alignment with the globally recognized OECD Guidelines. This ensures that ASM producers and supply chain actors can meet the highest international standards for ethical sourcing and due diligence, particularly in conflict-affected and high-risk areas. The new alignment bolsters trust and credibility in ASM practices, reinforcing a more responsible global mineral supply chain.
What’s New in CRAFT Code 2.1?
One of the key updates in CRAFT 2.1 is its expanded scope, which now includes aggregators, traders, and mineral processors. Under the new Upstream Assurance (CRAFT-UA) scheme, intermediaries such as these "buyers" have defined due diligence responsibilities, ensuring compliance with OECD guidelines whether working directly with export scenarios or through midstream actors.
This flexibility opens new doors for stakeholders across the ASM supply chain, making CRAFT 2.1 a powerful and practical tool for responsible sourcing. Importantly, it simplifies and enhances the ability of downstream actors—such as refiners and processors—to engage with ethical supply chains.
Global Collaboration: The Backbone of CRAFT 2.1’s Success
The successful launch of CRAFT 2.1 is the result of a truly global collaboration, building on the foundation originally created by the Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM) and RESOLVE. RESOLVE is proud to have played a key role in the interim review, working closely with ARM to refine and enhance the code. planetGold, The Impact Facility, PACT, and other essential partners have also contributed significantly to the evolution of CRAFT. A foundational supporter, the European Partnership for Responsible Minerals (EPRM), has provided crucial resourcing for the development of CRAFT, with this most recent revision made possible through the EPRM-funded Scalable Trade in Artisanal Gold project. The Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI) has now recognized CRAFT 2.1 as a framework standard, marking a significant endorsement of its credibility and value in responsible sourcing.
“Alignment with the OECD Guidelines ensures that responsibly sourced minerals find their place in global markets, contributing to better social and environmental outcomes,” said Stephen D'Esposito, CEO of RESOLVE.
This new version provides miners, NGOs, and industry stakeholders with the tools they need to build and participate in responsible supply chains that benefit both people and the planet.
Looking Ahead: RESOLVE's Commitment to Empowering ASM Producers
With the launch of CRAFT 2.1, RESOLVE is proud to support a future where artisanal and small-scale miners are empowered to meet international standards and engage with formal markets. CRAFT 2.1 paves the way for ongoing improvements in ASM practices, helping miners achieve compliance with responsible sourcing expectations and contribute to global sustainability goals. This framework plays a critical role in bridging the gap between artisanal miners and formal markets, ensuring their efforts lead to meaningful social impact and sustainable development.
As RESOLVE continues to champion responsible mining initiatives, we remain dedicated to building on the success of CRAFT 2.1 and expanding ethical practices across all mineral supply chains. Stay connected with us as we advance our mission to create a future where every supply chain is transparent, responsible, and sustainable.
To learn more about CRAFT Code 2.1 and its applications, visit CRAFT Mines or reach out to Tegan Holmes (tholmes@resolve.ngo).
Tegan Holmes | RESOLVE
At RESOLVE, we’re here to tackle the toughest global challenges. The ones nobody else wants to touch. Where people are in conflict and planet problems are stuck. We’re here to unstick them. It’s not easy. It takes grit and ingenuity. And finding and working with the right partners. But we’re not called RESOLVE for nothing.
