Larger conventional mines adhere to OECD standards. This establishes certain minimum on-site requirements that require businesses to operate in accordance with applicable human rights. However, this is far from sufficient. Smaller mines are unable to meet the bureaucratic requirements on their own. As a result, there are many illegal mines that supply large international refineries and do not always adhere to applicable human rights.

The aim of gold mining according to fair standards is to enable small-scale miners in developing countries with better living and working conditions in the long term. First and foremost, they must be given the opportunity to earn their own living. Fair trade gold sets a minimum price allowing payments of fair wages. Furthermore, the mines receive premiums that they can use to implement social projects, such as the construction of schools or health facilities, and to promote long-term community stability.