The Standard has been developed with our member companies, comprising the world’s leading gold producers, and with extensive input from governments, civil society and supply chain participants...When there is armed conflict, even the best managed operation will need to take additional steps to ensure that both the gold it produces and its broader activities do not contribute to the conflict...The Guidance for Assurance Providers sets out guidance to practioners who have been engaged to report in, accordance with recognised assurance standards, on whether a company’s Conflict-Free Gold Report is prepared in accordance with the Standard...The Guidance for Implementing Companies aims to serve as a helpful reference guide to any implementing company and includes a range of tools and reference materials which companies may draw on, according to their individual needs and circumstances.