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Are you an artisanal gold miner?
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Uganda · Eastern DRC · Since 2022
Organised miners. Safer pits. Fair, legal gold.
Abamwe brings together artisanal and small-scale gold miners in Uganda and eastern DRC. We help members work more safely, sell to licensed buyers at honest weights, and speak with one voice.
What we do
Most artisanal miners sell through middlemen, argue over weights and work without protection. Working as one association changes that.
Organise
We register members, keep proper records and meet in every mining area, so miners are known to buyers and authorities.
How we are organisedWork safely
Pit safety, first aid and mercury-free recovery, taught at the site in the language members speak.
Safety and healthSell fairly
We point members to licensed buyers, encourage checked scales and help each member keep a record of sales.
Responsible goldBe heard
Members raise complaints safely, even anonymously. Leaders take their concerns to government and partners.
Report a concern
Our commitments
Gold we can stand behind
Buyers, refiners and partners need to know where gold comes from and how it was produced. Every member signs our code of conduct, and leaders follow up on every breach.
- No child labour
- No armed groups or illegal taxes
- Less mercury, then none
- Honest weighing and pricing
- Women included at every level
- Gold sold only through legal channels
- Registered members
- 1,240
- Mining areas
- 14
- Women members
- 38%
- Members under 30
- 41%
From the member register, September 2026.
Working with us
Who we work with
We work with anyone who wants artisanal gold to be safer, legal and fairly paid.
Buyers and refiners
An organised supply of artisanal gold, with member records, due diligence and traceability that protects individual miners.
Information for buyers
Government and regulators
Our registration, constitution and leadership are public. We help members hold the right licences in both countries.
Our documents
NGOs, donors and banks
Projects on safety, mercury reduction, savings and women’s inclusion, reaching miners others find hard to reach.
Partner with usSafety first
Before you go down a pit
Most accidents at small mines happen after rain, in old shafts, or when someone works alone. These four checks save lives.
- Check the wallsLook for cracks, loose soil and water after rain. If in doubt, do not enter.
- Never work aloneOne person always stays at the top and knows who is below.
- Rope and ladderKeep a strong rope and a ladder at every shaft, every day.
- Get out earlyIf you feel dizzy, short of breath or smell gas, climb out at once.
Here to help
Talk to us about membership, partnerships or a concern.
Our offices in Uganda and DRC answer by phone, WhatsApp and email, in English, French or Swahili.
Email us
News
Latest from the association
Our new website is live
Members, buyers and partners can now find our documents, safety guides and contacts in one place.
Membership registration is open
Miners in our areas can register online, by WhatsApp, or through their area focal point.
The association is founded
Miners from Uganda and eastern DRC agree to organise as Abamwe Artisanal Miners Association.