ACADEMIA DA SERRA:
Gearing up…
INITIATIVE 1
Whether you’re a jeweller, industry specialist, brand, or consumer, we are welcoming your contribution towards this initial seeding stage.
Silicosis is a fatal consequence of inadequate or absent safety masks during mining activities, including cutting and polishing. This initial seeding stage kickstarted our overall project back in 2019. Since then, Crystal Clear has donated $5000 towards this 'Gearing Up’. initiative, and we recently received a donation for a further $1000 from US not-for profit Gems Keep Giving.
Silicosis Kills
Silicosis is a fatal consequence of mining without the correct safety equipment. It is a lung disease caused by the small silica particles from quartz mining, cutting and polishing. ASMs often mine as a route out of poverty. As their only or main source of income for their family they will mine without the correct masks if they have to because they are simply too expensive to buy.
So far, we have donated around $5,000 to this stage from other purpose-driven business… would you like to add your business to the list of change-makers?
Miner receiving certificate after Health & Safety Training
Together we can help
We acknowledge that simply buying safety equipment is not the answer, because many miners are not fully aware of the risks. Often, it would be more appealing to them to sell the equipment later down the line. This is why education is key so that we can achieve effective and lasting results that will be passed on generationally.
To tackle this, we are working with the Miners Co-Op and Secretaries of Health and Education in Novo Horizonte to educate miners about silicosis prevention, as well as distributing essential respirators to miners upon completion on the training. We will also help the Co-Op set aside funding and establish a relationship with respirator distributors so that miners will continue to have access into the future.