The Miner Health & Safety Initiative

Artisanal mining is a vital livelihood for many communities in South Kivu, DRC, yet it often exposes workers to significant health and safety risks. Recognizing our profound responsibility to the people at the very start of the gold supply chain, we launched The Miner Health & Safety Initiative in 2022. This program, managed from our headquarters in Goma and implemented in close partnership with a respected regional health organization, is our direct commitment to improving the well-being of the miners who are foundational to our industry.

The first pillar of our initiative is comprehensive education. Our funded workshops, led by local health experts, provide crucial, practical training on the long-term dangers of mercury exposure. More importantly, they teach safer, mercury-free extraction methods that protect both the miners and their environment. These interactive sessions also cover essential topics like recognizing signs of mine shaft instability, the importance of proper ventilation, and basic first aid, empowering miners with life-saving knowledge.

Knowledge must be paired with the right tools. The second pillar of our initiative is the direct distribution of essential Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). We provide hundreds of miners with high-quality hard hats to protect against falling debris, respiratory masks to prevent the inhalation of harmful dust, and durable work gloves to safeguard against cuts and chemical contact. This tangible support provides an immediate and critical layer of physical protection from daily workplace hazards.

To date, this initiative has reached over 800 artisanal miners across several communities in South Kivu, providing them with both the tools and the knowledge to work more safely. The impact is a tangible reduction in workplace accidents and long-term health risks. Our ultimate goal is to foster a lasting culture of safety, where the well-being of every miner is prioritized. This project is a core component of our ethical sourcing philosophy, ensuring that the value of gold contributes to a healthier, more secure future for the miners and their families.