African Women in Mining Safety Observatory (WiM-Africa Initiative)
Project M-Safe | Silent 15 Safety Reporting Initiative
Mining communities across Africa play a vital role in the continent’s economy and global mineral supply chains. However, many mining sites—particularly in artisanal and small-scale mining areas—operate under difficult and sometimes unsafe conditions.
Women are often among the most vulnerable participants in these environments, frequently working in ore processing, transportation, and other roles around unstable pits and hazardous areas.
To strengthen safety, accountability, and policy reform, Women in Mining Africa (WiM-Africa) has established the African Women in Mining Safety Observatory, a platform designed to document safety incidents and risks affecting miners and mining communities across Africa.
Why Reporting Matters
Many accidents in mining communities go undocumented, especially in artisanal mining areas where reporting systems are limited.
When you report incidents and unsafe conditions, you help:
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document accidents affecting miners and women in mining communities
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identify dangerous mining practices and high-risk sites
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support evidence-based policy reforms
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strengthen responsible mineral supply chains
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improve safety awareness across mining communities
Your report contributes to a continental effort to improve safety and accountability in mining.
What You Can Report
This platform allows reporting of incidents and risks such as:
Accidents
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mine collapses
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injuries at mining sites
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deaths at mining pits
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flooding of mine shafts
Unsafe Conditions
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unstable excavation practices
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lack of protective equipment
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dangerous processing methods
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environmental hazards
Gender-Specific Risks
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harassment or violence in mining areas
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unsafe working conditions affecting women
Near-Miss Events
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pit cracks or instability
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flooding risks
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other warning signs that could lead to accidents
Who Can Submit a Report
Reports may be submitted by:
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miners and mining workers
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women working in mining areas
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community leaders
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civil society organizations
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journalists
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cooperatives and associations
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WiM-Africa chapters
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government officials or observers
Reports can be submitted with or without personal identification.
Confidentiality
Your safety is important.
You may choose to submit reports anonymously. Personal contact details are optional and will only be used for verification purposes.
All reports are reviewed and verified before being included in official data systems or reports.