Community Development
At Artisanal Mining Advocates, we recognize that mining doesn't exist in isolation. Mining communities face a myriad of challenges and issues that go beyond the mines. Our fifth initiative, "Community Development," aims to address these concerns and contribute positively to the broader community.
Our community engagement is holistic and encompasses various social aspects. We have established programs to address alcoholism and drug use, common issues in mining communities that often go unaddressed. We offer financial management courses and promote ethical business practices, fostering a more sustainable economic environment.
Understanding the unique challenges faced by children with disabilities in these communities, we provide aid, including prosthetics where necessary. We also have established a funeral fund to assist families in times of sudden loss.
We strive to nurture a sense of pride and cleanliness in these communities. We've organized garbage cleanup days, encouraging residents to maintain their surroundings. We also support local schools and sports teams, reinforcing the importance of education and physical health.
Moreover, we acknowledge the vital role healthcare professionals play within these communities. To this end, we provide additional information to doctors on diagnosing mining-related issues such as silica dust poisoning, mercury poisoning, cyanide poisoning, mining collapse injuries, and transport accidents.
Our Community Development initiative embodies our holistic view of mining communities. We believe in fostering healthier, happier, and more sustainable communities that not only mine but also live better.
Land Reclamation
One of the integral aspects of our advocacy at Artisanal Mining Advocates is our commitment to the land. Our sixth initiative, "Land Reclamation," is about restoring and rejuvenating the areas impacted by mining operations.
One of our most inspiring stories is the transformative work done by Jeremiah, our Head of Security in Lolgorian, Kenya. Jeremiah took a site previously damaged by mercury use and sluicing, and turned it into a thriving oasis of biodiversity. By fencing off the area, cleaning it up, and introducing new topsoil, Jeremiah transformed it into one of the most beautiful places in Lolgorian, replete with a variety of trees and plants.
Jeremiah's efforts didn't stop there. He also established a tree nursery on the site, growing thousands of seedlings which were then planted throughout Lolgorian. This became the starting point for his own organization, "Green Economy," which aims to transform mining land into productive farming land. This initiative offers miners an alternative livelihood in agriculture, thus reducing dependency on mining.
In all our new areas, we strive to replicate Jeremiah's success. We survey the land for potential reclaimable areas, fill in any dangerous pits, and ensure the land is safe. Following careful testing for harmful substances such as mercury, we proceed with revitalization efforts. The land is leveled, cleaned, and prepared for agricultural use, employing natural processes where possible to aid in the detoxification and restoration of the land.
Lab Testing
​At Artisanal Mining Advocates, our seventh core initiative is "Lab Testing," a cornerstone of our commitment to safe, efficient, and environmentally-friendly mining practices. Through this initiative, we've partnered with GIFIE in Migori, Kenya, a lab created by miners for miners.
This miner-led research center is geared towards unlocking the truth about the materials and processes used in artisanal mining. A key feature of the lab is the micro-leaching plant, specially designed for testing cyanide alternatives.
In one of our ground-breaking studies, we scrutinized the claims of GDA (Gold Dressing Agent) marketed as a "green" alternative to cyanide. Our findings revealed that while GDA indeed contained 20% cyanide, it produced higher quality gold compared to cyanide-based methods. This discovery, published in our GDA report, underlines the lab's commitment to providing miners with reliable, practical information to enhance their operations.
Beyond chemical testing, we explore innovations in mining equipment such as sluice box technologies, retorts, and safety gear. We're also keen on field research, studying large-scale leaching models and alternative cyanide methods. In all of our endeavors, safety remains paramount. We closely monitor the pH levels of cyanide and its containment procedures, and relentlessly seek safer alternatives.
The lab, under the competent leadership of Solomon Opio and his brother, embodies the spirit of artisanal mining—hard work, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of progress.