This startup provides clean and efficient CIP (Carbon-in-Pulp) processing services for artisanal and small-scale gold miners, enabling them to transition to mercury-free methods. By purchasing ore based on its measured gold content and processing it in industrial facilities, the company offers miners liquidity and direct access to reputable global buyers for their gold.
Funding
$250K raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
Artisanal and small-scale gold miners (ASGM) often rely on mercury for gold extraction, a practice that is inefficient, hazardous to human health, and environmentally damaging, yielding only about 30% of the available gold. Existing supply chains are fragmented, relying on middlemen that reduce market value and dilute profits for miners, pushing them towards black markets.
Solution
Mwamba provides ASGM communities with a clean and efficient alternative to mercury-based gold processing, increasing gold recovery to over 90%. The company purchases ore from miners based on its measured gold content, providing immediate liquidity and eliminating the need for mercury use. Mwamba then processes the ore in industrial Carbon-in-Pulp (CIP) facilities, extracting gold safely and efficiently. The company exports and sells the processed gold directly to reputable international buyers, ensuring a traceable, conflict-free, and mercury-free supply chain.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes artisanal and small-scale gold miners in emerging economies, particularly in Tanzania, seeking a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible alternative to mercury-based processing.
Features
- Purchases ore from ASGM miners based on measured gold content, providing immediate income.
- Operates industrial Carbon-in-Pulp (CIP) processing facilities for efficient and safe gold extraction.
- Employs a caustic solution to dissolve gold from ore, followed by capture using ultraporous activated carbon.
- Utilizes an elution cell to liberate gold from loaded carbon and electroplate it onto a collection medium.
- Establishes "No-mercury, No Child Labour" agreements with mining communities.
- Conducts business ethics audits to ensure partnered mines are compliant with ethical mining practices.
- Aims to establish multiple processing locations with a focus on community development, technical training, and safety.
- Partners with the University of Dar es Salaam’s Mineral Resources Institute (UDSM-MRI) for exploration and capacity building.