Our approach
Formalise what exists. Add what is missing.
BYM does not displace artisanal miners. It partners with licensed cooperatives and adds the equipment, supervision, standards and market access that turn a dig into an organised mining site.
The partnership model
Two parties, one site.
In eastern DRC, gold deposits are typically held by local cooperatives that have the licence to work them but not the means to work them well. BYM's role is to supply those means.
- The cooperative keeps
- Its licence, its members' place in the operation and its standing with the local community and provincial authorities.
- BYM provides
- Hydraulic and mechanised equipment, on-site supervision and maintenance, health, safety and environmental standards, training, documented weighing and access to buyers.
- Both parties get
- A safer, more productive site with a written agreement setting out governance, compliance and how production is shared.
How a site develops
Four phases, in order.
- 01
Identification
Evaluation of cooperative licences, geological potential and community alignment before any commitment.
- 02
Integration
Formal partnership agreements with licensed cooperatives, setting out governance, compliance and operating protocols.
- 03
Modernisation
Deployment of semi-industrial equipment, workforce training and health, safety and environmental standards.
- 04
Scaling
Production optimisation, additional concessions and access to international markets and capital.
Mining lifecycle
From exploration to rehabilitation.
- 01
Exploration
Surveys, sampling and assessment within licensed concession areas.
- 02
Development
Site preparation, infrastructure, equipment deployment and workforce mobilisation.
- 03
Production
Excavation, processing, gold recovery and quality assurance for delivery.
- 04
Rehabilitation
Progressive land restoration and community transition planning.
Where this goes
Stronger partners, more concessions, more than gold.
- 01
Stronger local concession holders
Cooperatives that work with BYM gain equipment, training, documented processes and market access — capacity that stays with them.
- 02
More concessions, same model
The partnership model is designed to be repeated with other local concession holders in the DRC, where a licence, a deposit and a willing partner exist.
- 03
Beyond gold
Gold is where BYM started. The same approach — formalise what exists, add what is missing — applies to other minerals as partners’ concessions and permits allow.
Beyond the DRC
Who we want to work with, and where.
- Asia
- Equipment partnerships and offtake relationships
- Gulf (UAE)
- Gold trading, refining access and commodity finance
- Europe
- Responsible-sourcing partners and impact capital
- North America
- Equity capital, governance and mining expertise