Empowering Miners,
Ensuring Safety.

Educate. Protect. Prosper

Empowering Artisanal Miners

Responsible and Sustainable Mining Practices

The Mining Division is committed to promoting sustainable and responsible mining practices for small-scale miners in the Mt Darwin District. Our approach ensures that mining activities contribute to the economic well-being of the community while safeguarding the environment and adhering to regulatory standards. By securing strategic partnerships and fostering community engagement, we aim to empower small-scale miners through training, awareness campaigns, and increased access to finance and market opportunities.

Key Interventions

  • Training & Capacity Building

  • The CDO collaborates with local and international partners to provide training on sustainable mining techniques, including safe extraction methods, mining technology, and environmental management practices.

  • Health & Safety Campaigns

  • In partnership with health organizations, we run regular campaigns focused on health and safety for miners, educating them on the dangers of poor practices and offering practical solutions to mitigate health risks, such as exposure to harmful chemicals and poor working conditions.



  • Legislation & Compliance Awareness

  • The division raises awareness on mining laws and regulations, ensuring that small-scale miners understand their legal obligations and the importance of compliance with environmental and safety standards.

  • Access to Capital & Value Addition

  • We help small-scale miners access financing through government programs and private partnerships, enabling them to invest in safer and more efficient mining equipment and practices. Additionaly, the CDO assists miners in adding value to extracted minerals by providing support in processing and finding new market opportunities. This includes partnerships with processing companies to ensure that raw minerals are transformed into market-ready products.

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    Context

  1. Health and Safety Risks: Artisanal miners in Mt. Darwin often operate without proper protective equipment, exposing themselves to hazardous conditions. The use of mercury in gold extraction poses severe health risks, including poisoning and long-term neurological damage. Additionally, the lack of proper ventilation in mining shafts increases the risk of respiratory diseases. Inadequate safety measures have led to fatalities and injuries among miners..
  2. Environmental Degradation: Mining activities in Mt. Darwin contribute to environmental degradation, including deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution. The improper disposal of mining waste leads to the contamination of local water sources, affecting both the ecosystem and the health of surrounding communities. Land degradation due to mining activities also threatens agricultural productivity in the region.
  3. Lack of Formalization and Regulation: Many mining operations in Mt. Darwin are informal and unregulated, leading to a lack of accountability and oversight. This informal status hinders the implementation of safety standards, environmental protection measures, and access to support services such as training and financing. The absence of formalization also limits the potential for miners to benefit from legal protections and market access.
  4. Economic and Social Impact: While mining provides essential income for many households, the lack of sustainable practices can undermine long-term economic stability. Environmental degradation and health issues can lead to increased healthcare costs and reduced agricultural yields, impacting the broader community. Moreover, the informal nature of mining operations often results in limited access to social services and infrastructure.

    Opportunities for Collaboration

  1. Mining Equipment & Technology:There is an opportunity to create micro-credit schemes that provide small-scale miners with the capital needed to upgrade their operations and invest in sustainable mining practices.
  2. Processing Plants: The establishment of small-scale mineral processing plants would help add value to raw minerals, increasing local revenue and creating jobs.
  3. Financial Support and Micro-Credit: There is an opportunity to create micro-credit schemes that provide small-scale miners with the capital needed to upgrade their operations and invest in sustainable mining practices.

    Impact

  1. 500+ small-scale miners:in Mt. Darwin have benefited from the CDO’s programs and interventions.
  2. Increased Safety & Health Standards: Through health and safety campaigns, we’ve seen a significant reduction in workplace accidents and health-related issues among miners.
  3. Improved Mining Practices: Training and awareness campaigns have led to better mining techniques, which have increased productivity while minimizing environmental damage.
  4. Economic Empowerment: With better access to financing and markets, miners have experienced higher incomes and improved livelihoods.
  5. Environmental Sustainability: By promoting eco-friendly practices, miners have reduced their environmental footprint, contributing to the long-term sustainability of mining activities in the region.