Editor’s Note
This article examines Switzerland’s pivotal role in the global gold trade, where a majority of the world’s mined gold is refined. It highlights the concentration of major refineries in the country and raises critical questions about the regulatory framework governing the industry, particularly regarding the traceability of gold origins after processing.
Switzerland is the international epicenter of gold. Between 50 and 70 percent of the gold mined worldwide is melted and processed in its refineries. Four of the world’s seven largest refineries are located in Switzerland, yet its regulations are considered rather weak.
Once melted, it becomes nearly impossible to determine the origin of the gold.
In 2023, the UN sent a letter to the Swiss government, claiming that its laws are too lax. Consequently, Switzerland has become an entry point for “dirty gold” linked to human rights violations, child labor, mercury poisoning, environmental destruction, or the financing of illegal groups.
A documentary attempts to explore how successful these efforts truly are. Is it possible to fully trace and monitor supply chains? A journey to Africa’s largest gold producer shows that expectations and reality are often far apart.