Bill · S. 799· Senate(119-S-799)
United States Legal Gold and Mining Partnership Act
- Introduced
- 2/27/2025
- Last activity
- 2/27/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
- Sponsored by
- John Cornyn
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The United States Legal Gold and Mining Partnership Act aims to establish a multi-year strategy to combat illicit gold mining in the Western Hemisphere. This plan focuses on reducing the negative environmental and social impacts caused by illegal mining activities. The strategy includes disrupting connections between artisanal miners and criminal organizations, as well as addressing corruption and money laundering. It also seeks to support the formalization of small-scale mining and enhance environmental protections. Additionally, the act targets the illicit gold trade in specific countries like Venezuela and Nicaragua. The goal is to build responsible gold value chains through international cooperation and public-private partnerships.
Yes· 3 of 18
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+7
The act specifically targets the prevention of contamination of water, soil, and forests through mining regulation.
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?+6
The bill fosters international cooperation and bilateral partnerships in the Western Hemisphere.
Would Native Americans be better off under this?+5
The bill explicitly aims to protect the rights and lands of indigenous communities.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Protection of the Environment and Natural Resources: The strategy aims to deter mining in protected areas to prevent the contamination of water, soil, forests, and fauna (Section 4(b)(2)).
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Reduction of Health Risks: By targeting the use of mercury and the release of toxic dust, the bill seeks to prevent severe health problems caused by environmental contamination (Section 4(b)(10)).
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Support for Indigenous Communities and Human Rights: The bill addresses the vulnerabilities of indigenous peoples who face trafficking, human rights abuses, and displacement due to illegal mining (Section 2(2)).
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Economic Empowerment for Small-Scale Miners: The strategy intends to help artisanal and small-scale miners formalize their businesses through skills training, technical assistance, and access to financing (Section 4(b)(11)(A)).
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Combating Human Rights Abuses: The strategy focuses on building capacity to counter links between illicit mining and trafficking in persons, including forced labor, sex work, and child labor (Section 4(b)(4)(B)).
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Journalistic Support: The act includes assistance for local journalists to investigate the illicit gold trade and its commercialization (Section 4(b)(13)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Financial Burdens on Small-Scale Miners: While the bill seeks to assist with formalization, it acknowledges that current processes involve costs associated with compliance and regulation (Section 4(b)(11)(C)).
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Risk of Economic Disruption through Sanctions: The use of punitive measures and targeted sanctions against specific regimes and persons could impact broader economic activities in those regions (Section 4(b)(12) and Section 6(2)(A)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Native Americans+5Good For Rural Residents+5Good For Business Owners+4Good For Low Income Households+4Good For Women+2Good For People With Disabilities+1Good For Urban Residents+1
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+5Increases Job Creation+3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Policing Reform+4Improves Poverty Reduction+3Improves Disability Rights+1
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+7
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Alliances+6Improves Veterans Benefits+1
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+5
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+3
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+2
- 2/27/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Timothy KaineDemocrat · Virginia