Bench marking
As part of our continual learning and development strategy, we believe in the power of international benchmarking. It offers us valuable insights and diverse perspectives, helping us to refine our operations and make informed decisions for our artisanal miners.
Our organization regularly conducts site visits to notable gold mining regions around the world, such as Tanzania, Uganda, and Indonesia. During these trips, we immerse ourselves in their unique mining processes and practices. We engage with local miners, discuss with governing bodies, and study the surrounding environments.
These interactions are invaluable. They allow us to observe firsthand how other mining communities tackle similar issues we face and the innovative solutions they employ. We learn about their successes and challenges, safety protocols, environmental considerations, and legal frameworks, among others.
Our goal with these benchmarking trips is not just to learn, but also to forge connections. We believe in the power of global collaboration, where we can all share knowledge, exchange experiences, and work together towards healthier, safer, and more efficient artisanal mining practices.
Consulting and Advising
Artisanal Mining Advocates' eighth key initiative is "Consulting and Advising." Our objective is to provide expert advice, guidance, and mentorship to artisanal miners, maximizing profitability while maintaining safety and ethical practices.
Our approach is collaborative, inclusive, and grounded in real-life experience. We bring together professionals from various disciplines - including gemologists and legal experts - and connect them with miners and mining communities. This collaboration helps miners make informed decisions tailored to their specific needs and budgets.
One of our most successful strategies has been peer mentoring, where experienced miners mentor those less advanced. This relatable, hands-on approach facilitates the implementation of innovative techniques and technologies, fostering direct communication and exchange of practical knowledge.
An essential part of our advisory role is educating about potential risks and how to mitigate them, such as advice on reducing fraud, corruption, and theft in the industry. This valuable knowledge equips miners with the tools to navigate the many challenges they may face.
In a similar vein, we aim to create a healthier mining community by providing targeted medical education. We educate local doctors on recognizing symptoms of mining-related poisonings, who in turn, impart this crucial knowledge to their peers. This initiative potentially offers doctors Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits, providing an added incentive for their involvement.
In essence, our Consulting & Advising initiative aims to create a well-informed, safe, and prosperous mining community through shared knowledge and expertise.
Data Collection and Assessment
Artisanal Mining Advocates' ninth key initiative revolves around "Data Collection & Assessment." We understand the power of data to make informed decisions, and as experienced miners ourselves, we are uniquely positioned to gather pertinent information on the ground, everyday.
Our data collection efforts have allowed us to create detailed maps of gold mining areas in Kenya, keep track of the number of miners, their origin, mining sites, the quality of their gold, and the personnel involved. This information helps us understand the challenges and successes faced by individual mining organizations, enabling us to tailor our interventions effectively.
Our robust data collection extends beyond borders. For our International World Forum, we've developed a comprehensive 40-question document for interested countries, providing us with critical insights that guide our integration strategies within the existing economies.
However, our approach to data collection is about more than gathering numbers. It's about understanding the realities and unique circumstances of artisanal and small-scale miners. Our miner-to-miner approach ensures more accurate and honest information that benefits the wider community.
Notably, we are committed to maintaining the privacy of our miners and protecting the data from misuse. The collected data is shared between countries and mining organizations to highlight shared challenges and forge unity towards our common vision: legal, safe, and profitable mining that respects the environment.
The collected data also serves a bigger purpose: formalization of the artisanal mining sector. Accurate data helps illustrate the sector's scope and impact, providing a roadmap for organizations like Planet Gold and UNEP to devise strategies for legalizing and regulating artisanal mining. This not only boosts safety but also brings economic benefits through tax revenue to the respective countries.
Our Data Collection & Assessment initiative is about enabling miners to rise with dignity, benefiting from their shared experiences and advocating for their rights.