A historic day in small scale mining. Our very own GCMF Chairman and Indonesias national Chairman Gatot Sugiharto signed an MOU with our National Kenyan Chairman Dan Odida agreeing to work together Mining community with mining community to improve the conditions of hashtag#ASM in both countries. In the first photo, you can see the two chairman along with Vishal khagram and the Indonesian, deputy minister of mining and minerals.
The signing ceremony marks the beginning of an important collaboration, through which the geological survey of finland will lend its extensive expertise in undertaking quality assurance and control of the ongoing countrywide high-resolution aerial geophysical survey.
This survey is crucial for the identification and mapping of zambia’s mineral resources as it will enable the country benefit tremendously from the advanced technologies and best practices that finland’s geological experts bring to the table.
The importance of accurate, reliable geological data cannot be overstated.
Gold miners have long endured mercury exposure and palm injuries due to inadequate protective gloves. To address these challenges, we have conducted experiments to develop a prototype glove called the Bio Glove. This innovative glove is crafted from biodegradable bacterial cellulose, a material produced by acetic acid bacteria that is renowned for its purity, biodegradability, and bio-compatibility. The result is the Bacterial Cellulose Leather Glove, designed to offer exceptional protection against mercury while ensuring both comfort and high performance. This advancement represents a significant leap forward in safety and sustainability for the mining industry.
This marks the first time a UN project has adopted a 100% miner-made document. This is a significant milestone. Just as with this achievement, there is hope that Planet Gold and other stakeholders will continue to support ASMAK in leading the way in developing projects for funding, similar to the checklist initiative. Miners have a deep understanding of what works best in their communities, and ASMAK should not remain mere observers at events like the Minamata Convention and OECD; instead, they should be fully engaged leaders in decision-making processes regarding funding for their communities. Miners are leading Mining Development!
At Artisanal Mining Advocates, we understand the importance of tangible, practical progress in the mining sector. Our focus is on implementing projects that not only increase profitability but also enhance the health and well-being of individuals involved in mining. We call this approach "Practical, Profitable Projects."
Our approach is tailored to the economic reality and the specific needs of each mining community we work with. We understand that introducing advanced technologies or complex strategies may not be immediately beneficial. Therefore, our focus is on incremental improvements, where a single piece of equipment or a change in technique can make a significant positive impact.
We believe in starting with what is achievable today, in line with the current economic situation of the mining community. We assess each operation and propose changes that can be quickly adopted and that yield immediate benefits. This might involve introducing a new piece of equipment into an existing operation, or suggesting a safer method for handling materials, such as recommending miners to perform activities like mercury burning outdoors for better ventilation.
In each community, we also provide resources and education about personal health and well-being, aiming to address the challenges unique to artisanal miners.
Our goal is to ensure every step we take brings miners closer to safer, more profitable, and more sustainable mining operations.
Next-Step Techniques and Training in Health and Safety
At Artisanal Mining Advocates, we believe in the power of incremental change, especially when it comes to enhancing the safety and health of the mining community. This is why our third focus area is "Next Step Techniques, Training, Health and Safety."
We begin by assessing the techniques and methods currently employed by the miners in a community. This involves observing processes like mercury amalgamation, cyanide leaching, or alluvial gold mining, and evaluating their safety measures.
Our goal is not to overhaul systems overnight, but rather to identify the next achievable step towards safer and more effective practices. We aim to illustrate the larger goal, and then present practical, immediate actions that can lead to noticeable improvements.
For instance, we propose challenges like: placing Jikos correctly while burning mercury, testing pH levels daily during cyanide leaching, or implementing the use of dust masks when drilling underground. In essence, we provide actionable advice based on their existing processes.
Additionally, we offer educational resources to help miners self-diagnose symptoms related to the hazardous nature of their work. We promote the understanding of why certain chemicals are poisonous and how their risks can be mitigated through proper management, handling, and storage.
Our efforts also extend to ensuring miners have access to appropriate safety gear. We provide catalogues to order safety equipment, and strive to make such gear available within each country, if it isn’t already.
We are dedicated to the continuous progress of each mining community by proposing these 'next steps' in techniques, training, health, and safety.
Help with In formalization
Artisanal Mining Advocates is firmly committed to aiding mining communities in achieving formalization, a key component to ensuring sustainable and legitimate operations. Our fourth initiative is aptly named "Help with Formalization."
We start by assessing the level of formalization in each community, if any, and identifying the miners working together in specific areas. Our goal is to help these miners form self-help groups or community-based organizations that are recognized by their respective governments.
We guide them through the entire process - from mapping their operations to registering their organizations. Our support includes assisting with crucial documents such as articles of association and constitutions, and even offering legal representation if required.
We understand that this process can lead to a sense of dignity and empowerment, as it takes miners from informal, often illegal operations, to being part of a recognized group with an official status. This status can help them interact with government officials and other entities with a unified voice.
In addition to this, we help them design logos, create websites, and even set up a home office if necessary. This formalization also provides a platform for training and safety education. Our aim is to create a conducive environment where miners can deal with contracts and resolve issues legally, thereby reducing fraud and promoting transparency and profitability.
Ultimately, we believe that formalization is a crucial step towards safer, more organized, and profitable mining communities.
