Sponsors (2)
The bill aims to reduce illicit gold trafficking, improve supply‑chain transparency, and support safer, formal mining—strengthening security, environmental, and development outcomes abroad—while imposing compliance costs, taxpayer-funded programs, diplomatic risks, and potential rights/implementation challenges that must be managed.
Law enforcement, U.S. national security agencies, and taxpayers will have stronger ability to disrupt illicit gold trafficking and its financing, reducing revenue for terrorist, narcotics, and transnational criminal groups and improving regional stability.
People living near illicit mining sites in Latin America and the Caribbean will face reduced environmental contamination and related health risks as U.S. programs support mercury/cyanide reduction, remediation, and safer mining practices.
Artisanal and small-scale miners in participating countries will gain access to formalization programs, training, financing, and market opportunities (including certification/traceability), which can improve incomes and working conditions for compliant operators.
U.S. importers, refiners, downstream businesses, and consumers could face higher compliance costs, administrative burdens, and potentially higher retail prices as supply‑chain scrutiny, certification, and import restrictions increase.
Targeting specific foreign actors and publicizing findings or sanctions could strain diplomatic relations with partner countries, complicate bilateral cooperation, and provoke pushback that undermines program goals.
Broad definitions of 'illicit actors' and risks of misidentification could subject legitimate individuals, businesses, indigenous actors, or immigrants to enforcement actions or sanctions, harming rights and livelihoods.
Based on analysis of 9 sections of legislative text.
Directs a U.S. multi‑year strategy and international partnerships to stop illicit gold mining/trafficking, boost AML/due diligence, formalize ASM, and support partner enforcement and sanctions.
Introduced February 27, 2025 by John Cornyn · Last progress February 27, 2025
Requires the State Department to lead a multi‑year strategy and international partnerships to stop illicit gold mining and trafficking in the Western Hemisphere. The strategy directs U.S. agencies to strengthen due diligence and AML/CFT efforts, support capacity building for foreign law enforcement and regulators, promote formalization and responsible sourcing of artisanal and small‑scale mining, and pursue coordinated financial investigations and targeted sanctions related to illicit gold flows (with a required classified briefing on Venezuela). It authorizes up to $10 million in State Department funds for implementation in FY2025–FY2026.