About us
In April 2024, following senior and long-standing careers in the not-for-profit sector, Mark Preston and Carl Beech travelled independently and self-funded to Kolwezi on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
They gained remarkable access to an artisanal cobalt and copper mine. At great personal risk, they were able to capture footage and images of hundreds of men, women and children mining cobalt and copper.
They have a vision to make known the plight of these children, to help companies improve supply chain integrity, and to deploy philanthropy and technology to support improved conditions and opportunities for
artisanal mining communities.
Working in an artisanal quarry from a very young age is damaging to the physical and mental
health of children.
Injuries are commonplace and a child’s development is impaired due to the activities and harsh environment in which they work. Child miners report suffering from respiratory conditions and ‘there is increasing evidence that the imbalance of metals of cobalt (Co) and chromium (Cr) may increase the risk of development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs)’.
With this in mind, we propose to integrate health services and support for the children and adult artisanal miners.
What would help
Identities for individuals
We intend to partner with industry
leading innovators to lock in digital identities for a meaningful defence against the horrors of human trafficking.
Blockchain Solutions
Using decentralised, public blockchain technology such as smart contracts, digital wallets and stable coins could provide funding, verification of school attendance and income-loss mitigation payments to school and families.
Integrated Health
We propose to integrate health
services and support for the children and adult artisanal miners.
Corporate Partnerships
We are looking to partner with companies who wish to comply with CSDDD, to model best practice and
exemplify bold leadership in corporate citizenship and governance.
Collaboration
We are forming a team to work together with partners to create lasting change and justice. We'd love those will specalist skills to volunteer.
Financial Donations
There is a huge amount of work to do in the journey to becoming a new charity whilst delivering practical help on the ground