Executive Summary  6

Introduction  7

Section 1: Understanding the Impacts of Illicit Gold Mining and Trafficking  9

The Rise of Illicit ASGM  9

Main Impacts of Illicit ASGM  12

Regulatory Responses to Illicit ASGM  17

Section 2: The Illicit Gold Preparedness and Response Matrix: Framework and Findings  19

Matrix Rationale  19

Main Findings  21

Conclusions: Future Directions and Strategic Priorities  28

Prioritising First Entry Points into Legal Markets and Improving Enforcement  28

Fostering Inter-agency Cooperation and Coordination  29

Developing Sustainable and Long-term ASGM Formalisation Programmes and Alternative Livelihoods  30

Strengthening State Capacity in High-risk Mining Areas  30

Reforming and Reinforcing Judicial Systems  30

Improving Oversight and Enforcement of Financial Intelligence as Well as Anti-money-laundering Mechanisms  31

Enhancing Police Forces and Law-enforcement Capabilities  32

Appendix A: Notes on Methodology  33

Methodological Considerations and Limitations  33

Appendix B: Country Profiles  41

Notes  46