Support labor rights in gold mining in Colombia

For years, the department of Antioquia has been a leader in gold production in Colombia. However, the exploitation of the mines of the department has not been done under the best conditions, because many miners are still under informality. Besides the above working conditions and security are not the best and the indiscriminate use chemicals is harmful to the health of the environment. All the above has generated interest in implementing practices which minimize the environmental risks and ensure better health conditions in the mines and the conditions for those who work in the mines.

Currently, the importance of protecting our natural resources, has led to different companies, foundations and corporations to educate on best practices of mining and also sensitize communities on the importance of clean practices in mining.

It is for this reason that the Fundación Amigos del Chocó decided to bet on supporting the organizations of small miners in this region of Antioquia, as there is willingness by them to develop ways to advance more responsible mining and, at the same time, protect the environment and achieve community development.

In this sense after approach and diagnosis phase, we want to transform the situation of small-scale mining in northeastern Antioquia, the project aims to promote education and training events, generate optimal results that transcend in construction of progress, equity, environmental protection and fair trade. It also aims to provide small-scale miners, practical tools to strengthen organizationally.

Lead to these communities more responsible practices, involves combating modern forms of slavery which are related to mining: Prostitution, exclusion of women, labor exploitation and child labor.