SigraFi, a gold sourcing company, has signed a long-term artisanal supply and capital partnership with PeaceGold in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The deal provides structured working capital and logistics support to cooperative-based producers in Ituri Province, securing a contracted supply of traceable gold doré for international refineries. For overseas jewelry buyers, this signals a growing pipeline of responsibly sourced gold from small-scale miners, which can support ethical sourcing claims and supply-chain compliance.
Supply-chain impact
The partnership creates a commercial framework for SigraFi to deliver traceable gold from artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) operations into the international gold supply chain. ASM currently generates 20% of global gold output, up from 4% in the 1990s, and is worth an estimated £64 billion annually, supporting over 15 million people worldwide. This deal could increase the availability of certified responsible gold for jewelry manufacturers and refiners seeking to meet ESG standards.
Compliance and logistics signals
SigraFi will provide working capital and logistics support to formalize artisanal production in eastern DRC, a region historically associated with conflict minerals. PeaceGold has worked since 2013 with local communities, Peace Direct, and Centre Résolution Conflits to reduce mercury usage and legalize export pathways. This structured approach may help buyers mitigate due-diligence risks under regulations like the OECD Due Diligence Guidance and the EU Conflict Minerals Regulation.
What buyers should watch
Jewelry importers and private-label brands should monitor the traceability protocols and certification standards applied to this gold doré. The partnership emphasizes long-term commercial relationships with cooperatives, which could lead to more consistent supply of responsibly sourced gold for bridal, fashion, and fine jewelry collections. Buyers may also explore direct sourcing from PeaceGold-affiliated producers to strengthen their own responsible sourcing narratives.
China sourcing context
While the deal focuses on DRC gold, it reflects a broader industry shift toward traceable ASM gold that could affect global sourcing strategies. Chinese jewelry manufacturers and OEM/ODM suppliers may need to adapt to increasing demand for certified responsible gold from Western buyers, potentially influencing their supply-chain choices for gold-plated brass, sterling silver, and other precious-metal products.
Source: Read the original report | Published: June 10, 2026