From the Mines to
Global Impact
The journey of a boy from the local gold mines of Ghana to the world's most prestigious academic institutions, returning home with a mission to safeguard lives and empower communities.
Inception
Resilience in Artisanal Mining
Witnessing the Struggle Firsthand
The story of Presbon Safe (PS) begins with Francis, a young boy who started working in artisanal mining at just 15 years old. Growing up in a mining community, he saw firsthand the strength and resilience of miners, including women carrying heavy loads every day. He witnessed both the hope and the hardship that defined life in the mines. These early experiences inspired Francis to make mining safer, fairer, and more respectful for everyone involved.
Research at Oxford and Harvard
Driven by his passion, Francis studied artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) to better understand its impact. At the University of Oxford, he focused on women in artisanal mining, highlighting their important but often overlooked roles. His research brought attention to gender inequalities and sparked a commitment to promote inclusion and fairness.
Francis continued at Harvard University, researching occupational health and safety risks miners face and finding innovative ways to improve their well-being. After completing his doctorate, he worked as a Research Fellow in Sustainability, turning ideas into actionable strategies connecting local communities with global change.
Turning Research into Action
After more than ten years of research and hands-on experience, Francis realised that real change requires action, not just ideas. In April 2024, he founded Presbon Safe—a nonprofit born from a vision of hope, compassion, resilience, and empowerment, and the belief that sustainable mining can uplift communities rather than harm them.
Today, Presbon Safe carries Francis's vision forward, showing that by protecting people and our planet, we can create thriving, sustainable mining communities for the future.
Our Mission
To protect the health, safety, and environment of ASM communities by promoting the use of mercury-free technologies, advancing environmental, safety, and health education, and supporting sustainable and responsible mining practices that safeguard lives, restore mined lands, and build resilient livelihoods.
Our Vision
To create a rural space where ASM contributes to sustainable livelihoods, environmental restoration, and healthy communities free from mercury pollution, health risks and unsafe mining practices.
Core Initiatives
Practical, field-tested interventions engineered to create long-lasting structural and environmental change.
Mercury-Free Transition
Mercury-free technologies adoption awareness and sensitisation programmes across mining regions.
Field Demonstrations
Demonstration of how to use mercury-free technologies in extracting gold ore and managing mine wastes.
Workshops & Training
Organising regular workshops for gold miners on environmental risks, myths, and perceptions of mercury.
Site Health & Safety
On-site demonstration of occupational health and safety practices and distribution of personal protective equipment.
Formalisation Support
Providing education and awareness on license acquisition for ASM, focusing on formalising illegal gold miners.
Land Restoration
Leading land reclamation and restoration initiatives that revive abandoned and degraded mined sites.
Gender & Inclusion
Women in ASM and Gender Inclusiveness focus, actively working to eliminate child labour issues.
The Journey Home
From the depths of the earth to the heights of academia, and back.
The 15yo Miner
Francis begins working in artisanal mines to support his education, experiencing the harsh realities and hazards firsthand.
Oxford to Harvard
Determined to make a difference, he earns scholarships to study at Oxford and Harvard, specializing in sustainable development and public policy.
The Founding
Presbon Safe is established with a mission to revolutionize artisanal mining, prioritizing human life and environmental restoration.