Safety training and protective equipment for artisanal miners
Starting costs about 1,360,000 NGN in Nigeria and 349,000 KES in Kenya. After 12 months, this business can bring in about 301,000 NGN net per month in Nigeria and 43,600 KES in Kenya. The starting money comes back in about 12 months, with 35 hours of work per week.
Mundyo estimates, data as of 2026-11-02.
See the numbers for my countryFree, no account, in the currency of 250 countries.
The numbers
| Country | To start | Net per month (month 12) |
|---|---|---|
| Nigeria | 1,360,000 NGN | 301,000 NGN |
| Kenya | 349,000 KES | 43,600 KES |
| India | 170,000 INR | 31,800 INR |
| Philippines | 171,000 PHP | 24,900 PHP |
| South Africa | 55,900 ZAR | 8,380 ZAR |
Amounts adjusted to each country's price and income levels.
The problem
Artisanal miners often work without equipment or training, so collapses, dust and toxic substances cause avoidable accidents and illness.
The solution
Short on-site training in safety, first aid and less polluting methods, plus sale or rental of suitable protective equipment.
Your customers
Artisanal miner cooperatives and groups, ore buyers concerned with traceability, and organisations or projects supporting the sector.
How you make money
€150 to €600 per group session, equipment sold at a 20 to 30% margin, and funded project contracts.
Competition
Development organisations training for free, informal sellers of low-grade equipment and public extension services.
Who has an edge
A safety trainer, first aider or former mining technician respected in the field, speaking local languages and understanding miners' economics.
The risks
Low ability to pay, reliance on project funding, sometimes difficult or dangerous site access, and a largely informal sector.
The first 3 steps
- Meet two mining cooperatives to understand their common accidents
- Build a four-hour training module with demonstrations
- Find an affordable supplier of protective equipment
How the numbers are calculated
Example in a high-income eurozone country, at month 12: revenue €2,000 − costs €1,100 = €900 net per month. Revenue: 5 sessions × €300 + €500 of equipment sold. Costs: equipment purchases, travel, training materials, insurance, social contributions. For other countries, Mundyo adjusts the starting budget to the price level (World Bank) and the income to prices and customers' purchasing power, then converts at the day's exchange rate.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start: Safety for small-scale miners?
About 1,360,000 NGN (Nigeria), 349,000 KES (Kenya), 170,000 INR (India), depending on the country. Mundyo calculates the amount for 250 countries.
How much can you earn per month?
After 12 months, about 301,000 NGN (Nigeria), 43,600 KES (Kenya), 31,800 INR (India) net per month, after costs.
How long until I get my starting money back?
About 12 months, with 35 hours of work per week.
What are the risks?
Low ability to pay, reliance on project funding, sometimes difficult or dangerous site access, and a largely informal sector.
Where do I start?
1. Meet two mining cooperatives to understand their common accidents 2. Build a four-hour training module with demonstrations 3. Find an affordable supplier of protective equipment
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