26 Nov
2025Clean Origin Supply Chain
Transforming miners into stewards: Training in mercury-free techniques, certifying gold f...
The TerraVita Initiative was born in 2025 from a stark realization: in Ghana's gold-rich Ashanti and Western Regions, rivers poisoned by illegal "galamsey" mining are birthing a generation of children with mercury-damaged brains. Founded by a coalition of UK-based environmental scientists, Ghanaian health advocates, and ethical mining experts, we are a registered UK Charitable Incorporated Organisation working hand-in-hand with our newly established Ghanaian subsidiary, the TerraVita Foundation. From the first community water tests that revealed mercury levels 50 times above WHO limits in pregnant women’s blood, we have grown into a hybrid social enterprise that blends urgent charitable action with revenue from certified Clean Origin gold. Together with local cooperatives, traditional leaders, government agencies, and long-standing NGO partners already active on the ground, we are restoring rivers, protecting mothers and children, and proving that the metal that once poisoned communities can now fund their healing.
Our Partners Include: - Government of Ghana: Minerals Commission, Environmental Protection Agency, Forestry Commission - Traditional Authorities across Ashanti and Western Regions - Long-standing international and local NGOs already delivering water and health programmes - UK responsible jewellers and European refiners piloting Clean Origin gold - Community cooperatives and women’s groups leading daily restoration
Ghana’s rivers are dying under decades of illegal mining. Mercury, cyanide and t...
Thousands of Ghanaian artisanal miners use mercury and cyanide because they have...
For decades, communities have been told “the river is fine” while their children...
“ “I was seven months pregnant when TerraVita tested me and found high mercury. They gave me treatment straight away and built a clean pond. My daughter was born healthy and strong. I thank them every day.” “
“ “Before I used mercury and never knew it was poisoning our land. TerraVita trained me to stop. Now the river is cleaner, our food is safe and my children don’t fall sick like before. I’m happy.” “
“ “The TerraEcho sensors show us when the river is bad. We call mothers fast, test the children and treat early. Many kids are now saved from mercury damage. This project is helping a lot.” “
“ “My children used to get rashes and stomach pain from the dirty river. Since TerraVita cleaned the water and tested them, they are healthy, strong and doing well in school. We feel safe now.” “
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Transforming miners into stewards: Training in mercury-free techniques, certifying gold f...
A lifeline for mining communities: prenatal mercury testing paired with immediate r...