“Her Eco Green Gold” came out tops at this year’s Mining Innovation and Research competition, held as part of the Mining Indaba, in Cape Town.
Grace Akinyi, Founder of Women in Mining Kenya, won the 2024 award, convened by the Development Partner Institute and Investing in African Mining Indaba.
The Battlefield is a high-profile platform for innovators and researchers to share their ideas around this year’s challenge: identifying collaborations between large-scale, small-scale and artisanal mining and their application to the just energy transition.
Akinyi’s proposal focused on empowering women in ASM mining, using biodegradable cellulose gloves as a simple yet effective solution to mercury contamination.
She won USD$25,000 research grant, sponsored by BHP Xplor, to further develop her concept over the next 12 months, beating 5 competitors.
Sheila Khama, Battlefield Master of Ceremonies, who is the Development Partner Institute (DPI) non-executive Director and mining industry expert, said the ideas presented at the Battlefield all have the potential for great change.
“The intersection of decarbonisation, mining and the transition to clean energy requires new thinking, new approaches and new technology, and that is why innovation is so critical. We are thrilled to bring together young people from the African continent and further afield to think about their contribution to the future of our planet. Their innovation is well-timed – you may be the generation who saves the world. “
The DPI was founded to tackle multi-stakeholder sustainability challenges in mining.
Picture: Mining Indaba TV