SMO thoroughly evaluates each company's ESG performance and mine-site practices, requiring alignment with its benchmarks. Only mines that meet these rigorous criteria qualify for selection, reflecting their commitment to responsible mining.

The SMO ESG Benchmark serves as a critical tool for assessing how SMO-accredited mines compare with other gold mines, both regionally and globally, ensuring that its members stand at the forefront of responsible mining practices.

By introducing a dedicated ESG values-based benchmark, with metrics reported annually, SMO is increasing transparency and accountability in the gold mining industry.

The SMO ESG Benchmark acts as a catalyst for continuous improvement across the sector. 

Member Mines invest in positive initiatives that empower & enrich the wider communities. They teach women & young men how to set up alternative livelihoods, how to be self-sufficient by growing vegetables in market gardens, farming poultry, making honey from the bees & soap from the Shea nut and harvesting cassava crops.

Member mines invest over & above what is expected by global principles, in reforestation and biodiversity programmes to protect their land & species. Thousands of trees are planted annually and ongoing research with local universities and research teams ensure they are protecting & promoting their environment.

Education is a key priority for all responsible mines, to ensure the community can read & write, understand training manuals and go on to study and enrich their learnings and skill sets. Member mines build schools, pay teacher’s salaries, buy learning equipment, etc to support this initiative.

Each member mine in each country faces a different set of circumstances when it comes to health matters. Member mines look after staff & wider communities through screening activities, education & monitoring, blood testing, introducing vaccination programs and Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) to reduce malaria, etc.