One-and-a-half years into this partnership, we are making progress towards our goals and learning valuable information from the challenges we are encountering. In this article by our partner Fairphone, value chain fund manager Gersom Aliaga Ferrufino gives an update on the project so far.
Finding the right partners on the ground
Globally, artisanal and small scale mines (ASMs) are responsible for 12% to 15% of the world’s gold supply, but their informal status leaves 1.5 million child labourers vulnerable to exploitation, collapsing mines and toxic chemicals. In Uganda in particular, 26% of children are identified as labourers; over 15,000 of them estimated to be working in ASMs.
At the same time, income from ASM mining is key to many livelihoods and some ASM mines have demonstrated that they are able to meet high performance standards and contribute to further local development.
Local miners at work in an ASM near the town of Tiira
We are partnering with three carefully selected ASM associations in Busia, Uganda: Tiira Small-scale Miners’ Association, Tiira Landlord Miners’ Association, and Busia United. By helping these three associations to access investment, equipment and training, they can become a template within their wider industry. Step by step they will demonstrate that yes, you can gradually increase productivity that contributes to improved economic capacity; yes, you can improve social and environmental performance; and no, you do not need to rely on child labour.
Sharing resources to scale up ambitions
By pooling our expertise, our international coalition is better able to advance our goals. While Fairphone steers and aligns all the different parties in the group, Royal Philips is conducting international market outreach to encourage suppliers to integrate responsibly sourced gold in their supply chains. Meanwhile, Solidaridad is building capacity at the mines to increase safety, efficiency and profits.
An investment facility will soon start providing capital to the ASMs in the form of gold processing equipment, led by the Fairtrade Foundation. This capital provision is implemented against the commitment and efforts of the artisanal mining organizations to show gradual improvements against set social and environmental criteria that, eventually, can lead to Fairtrade certification.
Uniting stakeholders of our joint project during a feedback session in the office of UNICEF Uganda
In the communities surrounding our partner mines, Hivos/Stop Child Labour is implementing two Child Labour Free Zones. It is a major outreach effort, aiming to have contact with over 700 households, positively impacting the future of over 400 children. These children will either be prevented from entering into child labour, or withdrawn from work and reintroduced to school. While this work happens on the ground, UNICEF is actively lobbying Uganda’s national parties for better legislation surrounding child labour concerns.
Keep the momentum going
We are feeling excited about what the future holds for this consortium. Just 19 months into the project, we have established social and environmental criteria for ASMs in Uganda to work towards; increased the transparency of our own supply chains, and have begun building a coalition willing to source this responsible gold. Of course, programmes like this are not without challenges but as we keep on progressing, we are confident that in close cooperation with our partners, we can develop a sustainable, traceable gold supply in Uganda.
Partnering with regional government representatives, local officials and opinion leaders is essential for sustainable progress
Join us
We are looking for companies that are willing to source gold from our project, or to contribute financially. Together we can extend and expand this life-changing project beyond 2019. With your help, we can make a fairer future possible for miners and their families. Check this page for more information on the project.
Read more about the Solidaridad gold programme.