Payne Institute Spring Seminar Series: An exploration of responsible sourcing and gold supply chains in Peru

Over the last decade, responsible sourcing of metals has become a growing concern for governments, industries, and consumers. Gold supply chains, in particular, are complex systems of manufacturers, suppliers, and information networks, as well as mines, mineral processing plants, smelters, and refineries. Furthermore, gold is malleable and easy to transport, which can result in the infusion of illicit and criminal activities in gold supply chains and make transparency challenging. This presentation examines gold supply chains in Peru and explores the ways in which the intricate flows of materials and people pose risks to traceable and responsible sourcing. Dr. Smith is an Assistant Professor in the Mining Engineering Department at the Colorado School of Mines. She is a cultural anthropologist with research and teaching interests in the intersections between energy and mineral resource developments and communities. Her current projects focus on artisanal and small-scale mining; mining, sustainable development, and social responsibility; and gold supply chains. She holds a PhD in anthropology from the University of Colorado at Boulder.