United States Legal Gold and Mining Partnership Act

The United States Legal Gold and Mining Partnership Act establishes a comprehensive strategy to combat illicit gold mining in the Western Hemisphere, particularly focusing on artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) operations in countries like Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. The strategy requires the Secretary of State to coordinate with federal agencies and international partners to disrupt linkages between gold mining and criminal organizations, promote responsible sourcing practices, and support miners in transitioning to formal, environmentally sustainable operations. Key provisions include developing public-private partnerships to build traceable gold supply chains, requiring classified briefings on Venezuela's illicit gold trade with foreign governments, and amending financial regulations to better identify money laundering related to gold transactions. The bill aims to address environmental damage from mercury use, human rights abuses, and the financing of criminal organizations through illicit gold mining activities.