Welcome to our In Focus series, where we explore the complex dynamics shaping artisanal mining communities and their transition toward responsible practices. Through engaging conversations with experts, we shed light on the pressing challenges and innovative solutions emerging at the intersection of social, economic, and environmental issues in mineral supply chains.

This series features stories and insights from IMPACT’s team and partners, touching on our five focus areas: regulatory and legal reform, supply chain transparency, illicit trade, gender equality, and environmental stewardship. Together, we explore how policies can align, stakeholders can collaborate, and equitable practices can take root in the artisanal mining sector.

In this issue, Céline Koffi, IMPACT’s Outreach Officer based in Côte d’Ivoire, provides a detailed perspective on how cooperatives can drive social cohesion and resource management in artisanal mining communities in Cote d’Ivoire. Céline’s insights highlight the opportunities and challenges presented by migration into mining regions, and the critical role cooperatives play in fostering harmony and equitable resource sharing.

In many mining communities, the discovery of valuable natural resources often attracts workers from diverse regions and even across borders. How does this influx of migrants affect the host community, particularly in terms of social cohesion and resource management?

Céline: We are increasingly witnessing a significant influx of migrants from neighboring countries in search of natural resources such as minerals, water, and arable land on Ivorian soil. This migration impacts host communities in various ways, particularly affecting social cohesion and resource management, with both positive and negative outcomes.

The blending of cultures has enriched the social fabric, contributing to socio-economic development by encouraging income-generating activities, enhancing purchasing power, and empowering youth and women. For instance, the Dabakala department, landlocked and primarily agricultural, has experienced a socio-economic transformation due to an influx of migrants, mainly from Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Mauritania. This surge has spurred economic activities, particularly artisanal mining, driving urbanization and enabling greater empowerment for women and youth, ultimately supporting harmonious coexistence.

However, challenges arise regarding resource management. Shared use of land and water between migrants and locals sometimes strains relationships, undermining social cohesion and leading to conflicts. In Angbassou, for example, disputes have emerged over water pollution and the conversion of agricultural land for gold panning.

The planetGOLD project in Côte d’Ivoire is in part addressing these issues, particularly through awareness campaigns and training sessions on how to reduce the use of chemicals such as mercury, as well as other health and safety practices. Similarly, the Just Gold project mitigated tensions at the COOPEDA artisanal site by involving all community leaders—such as local elders, the president of the youth group, and the president of the women’s association— in the management committee, thereby strengthening social cohesion.

We’ve seen how this influx can strain local housing, food supplies, and healthcare. How can cooperatives in artisanal mining regions help host communities adapt and ensure fair access to these resources?

Céline: Cooperatives play a critical role in enhancing local infrastructure by investing in housing, health centers, and water supply facilities. For example, COOPEDA has constructed health centers and housing for teachers and healthcare workers in Kogbera, as well as water pumps in Kotolo and Tollédougou. These investments ensure that essential services are available to both residents and incoming populations, reducing competition for scarce resources.

Additionally, the Dabakala General Hospital has benefited from COOPEDA’s donation of essential health equipment, ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare. Notably, the Bidiala Bôbôssô mining cooperative has also initiated plans to build housing for its members, further easing pressure on local housing markets.

Cooperatives can also play an essential role in managing market fluctuations and addressing environmental challenges faced by artisanal mining communities. By pooling resources and sharing risks, cooperatives provide economic stability, reducing the vulnerability of individual miners to market volatility. As a collective, they have greater access to financing compared to individuals. This enables investments in modern equipment and more sustainable technologies, which not only enhance efficiency and boost productivity but also minimize environmental impact, benefiting the community as a whole.

Moreover, cooperatives can play a role in advocating for the sustainable management of natural resources, promoting the responsible use of water and land to prevent conflicts and ensure equitable access. For instance, at the COOPEDA mine site, local community leaders actively participate in management decisions, with funds specifically allocated for social projects that benefit all community members. These efforts directly address potential disparities in resource allocation.

Awareness sessions and educational programs are essential tools to address the diverse needs of local populations and migrants. These tools help strengthen community resilience and improve their political, social, and economic well-being while actively contributing to the integration of populations into society. By providing access to information and knowledge—such as rights and obligations, available services, and opportunities—they promote mutual understanding, build capacity for greater economic autonomy, and support more efficient resource use.

For example, at the Dabakala mining cooperative, COOPEDA, implemented an extensive awareness program targeting neighboring communities and beyond to facilitate the integration of migrants with artisanal mining expertise. This initiative eased tensions and strengthened the purchasing power of local populations, who now see the migrant population as a potential market. It also provided an alternative for some unemployed youth who might have otherwise turned to less desirable, and even illicit, income-generating activities, such as erecting roadblocks and taxing transportation routes. Building on the gains from the Just Gold project, COOPEDA continues to engage and train new workers arriving at the site. These newcomers not only find a place in the community but are also trained in environmentally sustainable and humane artisanal mining practices.

Trust among miners is essential for collective action, especially when resources like tools, profits, or land are shared. How can cooperatives help build and sustain trust within artisanal mining communities, especially where informal agreements often govern operations?

Céline: Building and maintaining trust within artisanal mining communities requires concrete actions, even under informal agreements.

With support, cooperatives can establish clear and transparent rules for managing resources and profits. These rules can reduce misunderstandings and suspicions and build trust among members. For instance, COOPEDA’s Annual General Assemblies provide a platform for the community, stakeholders, and authorities to review accomplishments and benefits transparently. By involving all members in decision-making, cooperatives help everyone feel valued, cultivating a shared sense of responsibility and belonging.

COOPEDA, for example, demonstrates this by initiating social projects that benefit local communities and by securing legal documentation from state authorities, which fosters a more secure and trustworthy environment.

However, it’s important to note that not all cooperatives are currently equipped to implement these practices. Many cooperatives, especially those that are just being established, often need support in these areas. This is part of the work being undertaken in the planetGOLD Côte d’Ivoire project.  By providing the necessary resources, training, and guidance, the project is helping cooperatives adopt these best practices, further enhancing trust and cooperation—essential components for the success of artisanal mining cooperatives.

Disputes over mining rights, resource allocation, or leadership can fracture artisanal mining communities. How do cooperatives mediate these conflicts to preserve harmony, and what lessons can be drawn from successful examples you’ve seen?

Céline: Cooperatives play an essential role in resolving conflicts within artisanal mining communities by employing various strategies to maintain harmony.

One key approach is mediation and dialogue. They organize sessions where conflicting parties can openly discuss their differences and work toward mutually acceptable solutions. This process not only addresses immediate issues but also nurtures a culture of constructive communication.

From what we have seen over the years, awareness-raising is key. Cooperatives provide education on members’ rights and responsibilities, as well as on conflict resolution techniques. These efforts help prevent misunderstandings and promote a broader culture of peace within the community.

Transparency and participatory governance further contribute to harmony. By involving members in decision-making and ensuring transparent management of resources, cooperatives reduce suspicions and tensions. This inclusive approach builds trust and strengthens social cohesion.

Formal agreements are another vital tool. By establishing clear terms regarding resource allocation and mining rights, cooperatives help clarify expectations and minimize potential disputes. For instance, COOPEDA has signed a memorandum of understanding with local communities to define profit-sharing rates, nurturing a sense of fairness and collaboration.

A tangible example of success is what we were able achieve together with COOPEDA through the Just Gold project. The project enabled the cooperative to implement a due diligence management system within its supply chain, helping it to identify, analyze, and mitigate risks. Inclusive committees comprising stakeholders and local community members were established, ensuring broad participation and oversight. This strategy has successfully reduced latent conflicts between mining actors and communities near the site, creating a more stable and secure environment.

We’ve seen how women often play critical yet underappreciated roles in mining communities. How does empowering women within cooperatives contribute to stronger social cohesion and more equitable decision-making?

Céline: Empowering women within cooperatives profoundly impacts social cohesion and equitable decision-making. By integrating women into decision-making processes, cooperatives tap into diverse perspectives that lead to more balanced and inclusive outcomes. Women’s active participation ensures their voices are heard and valued.

Through the Just Gold project, we have seen how the training and development programs have supported women in gaining new skills and nurturing their leadership and confidence, enabling them to contribute actively to cooperative activities. The project emphasized the importance of gender parity within the cooperative and at the site, encouraging meaningful changes in participation and leadership.

As a result, COOPEDA welcomed 13 women into its membership. On the Board of Directors, a woman was appointed as Finance Officer, marking a significant step toward inclusive decision-making. A gender committee—one of the site’s management bodies—was also established, led by a female president. Furthermore, a women miners’ association was created alongside other economic initiatives to advocate for women’s rights at the site. Women from neighbouring villages, including village women’s presidents, also became actively involved, with some women acquiring material assets surpassing those of their male counterparts.

This increased representation of women in decision-making bodies has strengthened decisions that benefit women, contributed to a rise in their purchasing power, and helped men recognize the vital role women play in this sector. By providing women equal access to resources, these cooperatives empower them to support their families and significantly contribute to the local economy.

Solidarity among women is another cornerstone of cooperative success. For instance, at the COOPEDA mining site, women have formed associations to manage critical tasks such as sanitation and ore washing, making their contributions indispensable. Cooperatives in artisanal mining communities have played a key role in reframing gender narratives and shifting societal perceptions by emphasizing the roles women play in community development.

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