of employees at SMO mines are nationals, many from the local host communities.
SMO gold does a lot more than glitter. Our social and environmental projects transform lives.
20,000+
Trees planted across our mines
86%
Of waste water returned to supply
200
More children given access to education in 2021
900+
Women employed in market gardens
11,585
People better protected from malaria
3,500
Initial medical consultations through our Critical Care International initiative
11
Teachers sponsored for local schools
80%
Of waste produced is recycled
1,200
Households supplied with water in nearby villages
Behind each piece of SMO gold there are contributions to health projects, civil infrastructure and social initiatives that improve the lives of those we work with and their communities.
Through our commitment to responsible practices, we have made switching to SMO gold an easy decision for jewellers and customers by increasing our value, not our cost.
Workforce
94%
of employees at SMO mines are nationals, many from the local host communities.
Accredited
51RGMPs
SMO has adopted all 51 World Gold Council Responsible Gold Mining Principles.
Regenerating
10,000
Over 10,000 trees planted per year by each SMO mine.
Environmentalism
270ha
We have a commitment to plant a 270-hectare reserve of trees by 2030.
Supply
2.1moz
of gold has been produced from our mines in Ity and Yanfolila since opening in 2014.
Responsible
100%
of SMO gold is sourced from and traceable to responsible mines.
Mercury
0
Zero mercury is used during the gold extraction process at SMO mines.
Traceable
1%
Less than 1% of gold in the world is traceable. SMO is here to change this.
Industry
300
SMO supports over 300 Ivorian businesses through the procurement of goods and services.
Protecting
10,000
people protected against Malaria thanks to the residual home spraying scheme in local communities in Yanfolila, Mali.
Income
60
locals supported by poultry farms that provide skills and alternative income.
Malaria
22%
reduction in malaria cases in the communities near the Ity mine in 2021 thanks to SMO’s continued efforts to fight the disease.
SMO supports talent, academic excellence and the promotion of women across our organisation. In 20?? we launched the Endeavour Academy at the Ity SMO mine: a dedicated educational funding and support programme delivered through Côte d’Ivoire’s leading technical institute IN-PHB.
We also further the development of promising individuals through scholarship programmes; enabling them to advance their study internationally and gain employment at our operations.
Teacher in class, Mali. 2022
Our aim is to minimise the impact gold mining has on biodiversity.
In Côte d’Ivoire, this includes working with Université Jean Lorougnon Guédé in Daloa to establish a forest reserve within the SMO Ity mine site and funding a research program to monitor endangered fish from the Cavally River, which crosses the operating permit of our mine.
Wet Season, Mali. 2020
SSMO has partnered with Critical Care International (CCI) to improve access to health care and disease prevention among the workforce and local communities.
In 2019, the initiative provided over 3,500 initial medical consultations and annual medical checks to all employees of the Yanfolila mine in Mali. In 2020, we recorded the lowest incidence of malaria among workers since the mine opened.
Dr Marcus Stevens discussing health initiatives at SMO mines
PlayCCI Doctor, Mali. 2020
We have invested in a range of initiatives in the areas that surround SMO mines.
These include: developing 11 market gardens harvesting fruit and vegetables to sell to local communities; creating a beekeeping initiative that provides training for honey production; replacing water pumps in Biétouo and Floleu; launching a literacy project in East and West Cavally; and supporting female-led agricultural initiatives at Daapleu and Tobopleu.
Yanfolila Market Gardens, Mali. 2022
Every ounce of SMO Gold you purchase, whether bullion, coins or jewellery, has a lasting impact on the lives of local people and the environment. Let’s show the Gold industry that provenance matters.
Sunset in Djenne, Mali