How cooperatives help advance decent work in artisanal gold mining in Mali

Boukary Sanogo: Gold mining has existed here for more than twenty years, but until recently, we did not have a cooperative. Today, we finally have one, and we thank God for it. Now, we are a dynamic group where each member has a well-defined role. We know exactly what needs to be done and what should not be done.

Thanks to the cooperative, we receive training that is very useful, especially for us young people working on mining sites. These training sessions teach us how to ensure our safety and better understand the risks associated with our work. We have learned what should not be done on a mining site, as well as the importance of financial education and how to secure our income.

Before the cooperative was established, there was total disorder! People would dig anywhere and anyhow, exposing us to many risks. Sometimes, we would even fall victim to theft, but this is becoming increasingly rare thanks to the structure provided by the cooperative. This is one of the biggest changes since its creation.

© ILO/Tall

Another positive point is that we have put an end to the chaos in our mining practices. However, our biggest challenge today is to eliminate child labour on mining sites. My greatest wish is to see these sites free of children because their place is in school, in the classroom.

To achieve this, our cooperative must continue to grow and strengthen. We need to increase our impact, not only on mining sites but also among our partners. By receiving more training and equipping ourselves better, we will not only improve our working conditions but also ensure a better future for our community.

My greatest wish is to see these sites free of children because their place is in school, in the classroom. 
Boukary Sanogo, gold miner in Sikasso, Mali

Find out more:

• ACCEL Africa is tackling child labour in Mali’s artisanal gold mining sector by promoting cooperative development and formalization.
• Through research, stakeholder consultations, and capacity-building initiatives, the project has facilitated the creation of 100 new cooperatives and the regularization of 50 previously existing ones.
• Cooperatives received training on governance, responsible mining practices, and the CRAFT Code to ensure ethical and sustainable operations.
• The initiative leveraged partnerships with key institutions, engaged the private sector, and promoted women’s participation, fostering a long-term, replicable model for improving working conditions and eliminating child labour in gold mining communities.
• ACCEL Africa is funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands.