As part of the Somos Tesoro project, artisanal and small-scale miners implement four projects for sustainable local development.
Since mid-2016 and within the framework of the Somos Tesoro project, the Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM) has been implementing and financing an innovation contest for four pilot projects in mining communities. Artisanal and small-scale (ASM) miners were invited to propose projects aimed at improving environmental and safety issues in their mines, as well as ideas for the benefit of workers and/or community groups.
ARM supported the miners in presenting their ideas as well as during the implementation process. An application requirement was the commitment of the miners to take the responsibility for the project by providing workforce as well as part of the expenses. In total, 15 mines from Boyacá participating in the Somos Tesoro project sent proposals and four of these were selected as winners of the contest:
Online connection for local development
The project, still under construction, is a community digital point located in the “El Triunfo” mine in Tópaga. A building powered by solar energy is being constructed on the outskirts of the mine. It has room for 4 computers and 1 printer donated by the mayor of Tópaga, as well as a kitchen, a bathroom and a small office. The space represents an effort of social responsibility which will be managed and maintained by the owners of the mine and will enable online training of its workers, as well as reducing the digital gap in the community. Currently, Fundación Mi Sangre, ally in the Somos Tesoro project, has supported the iniciative painting the building.
(c) Fundación Mi Sangre
The venue will be inaugurated on Saturday, December 2, with the community and the mayor of Tópaga participating.
Wind mill to reuse water
The second project is a system powered by a windmill that pumps water from the internal part of the mine through a water treatment system which is then used for irrigation, sanitation and control of coal dust. This project benefits “Las Lajas” mines in Gámeza, helps preserving and maintaining the environment and minimizes the risks of diseases derived from the breathing of coal dust. In addition, it demonstrates that it is possible to reuse water from the mine -which is often poured into streams- by using renewable energies.
(c) ARM
Reforestation in Sogamoso
The third project was awarded to the mine “Carbonera los límites” in Sogamoso which aims to environmentally recover the areas the mining operation impacted most. The area has been reforested with acacias and native and ornamental plants. This pilot sets an example for other miners in the area.
A new place for training and community building
Also still under construction, this project will create a space for training miners in the municipality of Sogamoso. The pilot is located in the “Diamante Negro” mine and aims to solve a recurrent problem in the area: the lack of space for miners to train on essential issues such as mine safety. In addition, it can also be used as a community space for events and social activities.
The contest spotlights the willingness of the ASM miners to work socially and environmentally responsible in a safe environment which supports local sustainable development. This is also reflected in the financial contribution of the mines which represented almost 50 per cent in each one of the projects. (c) ARM
En el concurso, destaca la voluntad de los pequeños mineros que se han involucrado para realizar una minería responsable social y ambientalmente, segura y que ayuda al desarrollo comunitario. Como prueba de ello, es importante destacar que en todos los proyectos mencionados las organizaciones mineras artesanales y de pequeña escala (OMAPEs) pusieron contrapartidas que llegaron hasta casi el 50%.