Promoting Resilience To The Effects Of Covid-19 Among Artisanal And Small-scale Miners Project

Project Objectives

a) Provide miners with essential PPE to reduce exposure to COVID-19 and enhance safety at the mining site, 

b) Establish hand washing stations and distribute sanitation materials to promote hygiene and mitigate the spread of the virus, 

c) Equip miners with essential mining tools to improve productivity, 

d) Provide a small grant to ISSMA to support operations, with a focus on value addition and attracting new customers, 

e) Conduct sensitization meetings to increase awareness of COVID-19, including its causes, symptoms, prevention measures, and emergency responses, 

f) Conduct leadership training to empower women miners and strengthen their role in COVID-19 preparedness and response efforts and g) Offer financial literacy training to help miners better manage resources and understand value addition.

Summary of Achievements/impact

Implemented in 2020 in Kigulu mining site, Iganga district, Busoga sub region Uganda and had the following outomes;

1. Hand sanitizers, soap, face masks, gloves, gum boots, headgear, and reflector jackets were distributed to miners, ensuring safer working conditions.
2. Four communal handwashing stations were established at the mining site and common gathering areas, directly benefiting miners and the surrounding community.
3. ISSMA members were provided with essential mining tools (hammers, hoes, pangas) to enhance productivity and improve mining practices.

A grant of UGX 2,000,000 was provided to ISSMA to support mining activities. This grant allowed the purchase of nets for separating stone dust from small stones, enabling the production of higher-value products and attracting new customers.