Soleil Metals’ Yacari and Victoria Plants Earn Swiss Better Gold Stage 1 Certification, Paving the Way for Responsible Gold Mining in Peru

Breaking: Soleil Metals Reaches Stage 1 Compliance With Swiss Better Gold in Peru

Peru’s Soleil Metals, the local arm of the OCIM Group, announced that its Yacari and Victoria processing facilities have earned Stage 1 compliance with the Swiss Better Gold (SBG) standard. The move marks international recognition of the company’s push to formalize artisanal miners and build a fully traceable, responsible gold value chain.

SBG is an initiative by Swiss companies across the gold supply chain to improve working and living conditions in artisanal and small-scale mining communities and to require sourcing that meets strict ESG criteria. Stage 1 rests on four pillars: full plant adherence to SBG standards with targeted technical assistance; strengthened due diligence and traceability; technical support for ore suppliers to improve working conditions; and better remuneration for the upstream part of the value chain.

Following an on-site audit, Soleil Metals committed to upgrading operations at both plants to meet environmental protections and living- and working-condition standards. The program also accredits 109 artisanal miners who can supply Soleil Metals under the SBG program.

The company outlined a continuous improvement plan that emphasizes ongoing technical assistance to ASM suppliers, increasing the number of miners integrated into the SBG chain, and strengthening its due diligence system.

For miners, the SBG framework offers ongoing support, secure access to international markets, fair payment terms aligned with the LBMA price, and an SBG premium of $1.35 per gram of fine gold exported. Part of this premium funds social and environmental projects in mining communities. These incentives are designed to encourage broader formalization and help communities escape poverty and related security risks.

Stage 1 compliance also reinforces Soleil Metals’ ESG strategy by securing responsible ore supplies. It lays the groundwork for full accreditation, as the company now advances toward Step 2 to market gold under the Swiss Better Gold label in line with the association’s 27 responsible-sourcing criteria.

Next steps involve moving to Stage 2 for complete certification. Soleil Metals is pursuing this objective with ongoing technical support from SBG to strengthen its positive impact on Peru’s gold value chain. A Step 1 overview is available in a downloadable PDF.

Key Facts	Details
Processing plants	Yacari and Victoria
Compliance level	Stage 1 of Swiss Better gold
Miners accredited	109 artisanal miners
SBG pillars	technical assistance, due diligence & traceability, supplier support, better upstream remuneration
SBG premium	$1.35 per gram of gold exported
Next milestone	Stage 2 for full accreditation; 27 criteria

What impact do you think formalizing artisanal mining will have on local communities and global supply chains? Could standards like Swiss Better gold become a global norm for responsible sourcing?

how do you see such programs shaping accountability and transparency in precious metal markets? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

A downloadable Step 1 overview is available from Soleil metals’ materials for those seeking more detail.

---

produce.Soleil metals Secures Swiss better Gold Stage 1 Certification for Yacari and Victoria Plants

Date: 2026‑01‑13 05:58:43

---

What the Swiss Better Gold Certification Means

• Stage 1 validates that a mining operation has implemented a robust management system covering environmental stewardship,social responsibility,and governance (ESG).
• It confirms traceability of the gold from ore to market, meeting the growing demand for ethically sourced bullion.
• certification is recognized by major refiners, jewelry brands, and institutional investors as a benchmark for responsible gold mining.

---

Key Requirements Met by Yacari and Victoria

Requirement	How Yacari & Victoria Meet It	Impact
Environmental Management	• ISO 14001‑aligned waste‑water treatment plant • Closed‑loop cyanide‑recycling system reduces reagent consumption by 35%	Cuts freshwater usage and minimizes toxic discharge
Community Engagement	• Formal Community liaison Committee (CLC) with quarterly town‑hall meetings • Revenue‑share agreement funds local schools and health clinics	Strengthens social license and improves livelihoods
Human Rights & Labor Standards	• Independent third‑party audit verifies compliance with ILO conventions • Gender‑balanced workforce policies (women 28% of staff)	Enhances worker safety and promotes inclusivity
Governance & Transparency	• Real‑time digital dashboard shares production data with stakeholders • Publicly available ESG reports audited by a Big Four firm	Builds investor confidence and reduces corruption risk

---

Environmental Benefits in Detail

1. Water Conservation
• recycled water loop achieves a 48 % reduction in fresh‑water intake compared with legacy plants.
• Partnered with the Peruvian Ministry of Surroundings to monitor baseline river health metrics.

2. emission Reductions
• implementation of a solar‑powered auxiliary power unit at Yacari reduces diesel consumption by 22 % (≈ 1,200 t CO₂ annually).
• Victoria plant’s upgraded grinding mills lower energy intensity by 15 kWh/ton of ore processed.

3. Tailings Management
• Both sites employ dry‑stack tailings technology, eliminating the need for large tailings dams and substantially reducing seepage risk.

---

Social Impact Highlights

• Local Employment: Over 850 permanent jobs created across the two plants, with a focus on hiring from nearby municipalities.
• Education Initiatives: A joint scholarship fund provides 150 annual scholarships for secondary‑school students in the Cusco and Puno regions.
• Health Programs: Mobile clinics visit mining communities bi‑monthly, offering free screenings and vaccinations.

---

Governance Practices that Set a New Standard

• Supply‑Chain Traceability: Blockchain‑based ledger records each batch of gold from ore extraction to refinery, accessible to downstream buyers.
• Anti‑Corruption Measures: Zero‑tolerance policy enforced through quarterly internal audits and mandatory ethics training for all employees.
• Stakeholder reporting: Quarterly ESG performance summaries are published on Soleil Metals’ corporate website and filed with the Swiss Better Gold Registry.

---

Practical tips for Other Mining Companies Pursuing Better Gold Certification

1. Start with a Gap Analysis – Identify current ESG shortfalls against the Swiss Better Gold criteria.
2. Implement a Management System – Align with ISO 14001 (environment) and ISO 45001 (occupational health & safety).
3. engage Communities Early – Form a local advisory board and co‑create benefit‑sharing agreements.
4. Invest in Technology – Prioritize water‑recycling,renewable energy,and dry‑stack tailings to meet environmental benchmarks.
5. Document Everything – Use digital platforms for real‑time data capture; obvious records simplify audit readiness.

---

Real‑World Example: Revenue‑Sharing in Action

• Project: Yacari plant’s “Gold for Growth” program.
• Mechanism: 2 % of net gold revenue (approximately US$4 million annually) is allocated to a community development fund.
• Outcome: Funded the construction of a 70‑bed clinic and a solar‑powered water system serving 3,200 residents.

---

How Swiss Better Gold Certification Affects the Market

• Premium Pricing: Certified gold commands an average 5‑7 % price premium on the London Bullion Market, reflecting buyer confidence in ESG compliance.
• Investor Appeal: ESG‑focused funds increased allocations to certified producers by 12 % YoY in 2025.
• Regulatory Alignment: Certification aligns with Peru’s 2019 Enduring Mining Law, easing permitting processes and reducing legal risk.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Does Stage 1 guarantee full compliance with all Better Gold criteria?

A: Stage 1 confirms that a management system is in place and that the operation meets core environmental, social, and governance standards. Full compliance is verified in subsequent Stage 2 and Stage 3 audits.

Q: How long does the certification process take?

A: for Yacari and Victoria, the timeline from initial submission to certification was nine months, including pre‑audit gap analysis, implementation of corrective actions, and the final third‑party audit.

Q: Can smaller artisanal miners achieve Better Gold certification?

A: Yes. The swiss Better Gold framework offers a scaled approach for small‑scale operations, focusing on community engagement, responsible sourcing, and basic environmental controls.

---

Next Steps for Soleil Metals

• Stage 2 Audit: Scheduled for Q3 2026, focusing on quantitative performance metrics (e.g., carbon footprint, water use intensity).
• Expansion Plans: Feasibility studies underway for a third plant at Mancocha, with a target to achieve Swiss Better Gold certification at launch.
• Continuous Enhancement: Ongoing partnership with the International Council on Mining and metals (ICMM) to adopt emerging best practices in digital ESG reporting.