WHAT?

Río Mío (Spanish for My River) was a research project that explored the complex relationship between artisanal gold-mining communities in Colombia and their water resources. As part of this work, we co-designed Mineros—a board game that encourages miners to reflect on their practices, consider alternative methods, and build collective action toward safer, more sustainable mining. The game goes beyond raising awareness by providing practical tools to support miners in navigating change collaboratively—especially in the absence of strong government support.​

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WHY?

Artisanal gold mining is a vital economic activity for many Colombian communities, but it often relies on mercury—a toxic substance that causes serious environmental degradation and health risks. Despite its importance, government support for safer mining practices has been limited, leaving miners to face these challenges largely on their own, while not only risking their health but also the ownership of their ancestral land. This isolation created an urgent need for innovative, community-led approaches that encourage dialogue, shared learning, and collective problem-solving—allowing artisanal miners to understand their impact, harness the power of collective action, and envision pathways forward.​

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"They [the government] tell us to stop using mercury, but offer no real help."
— Miner during social carthography session

OUTCOME

Mineros (Spanish for miners) became more than a game — it was a tool for imagining new futures. It helped communities recognize shared challenges, explore safer techniques, and strategize collectively around how to adapt. In regions where policy support was minimal or absent, the game offered a rare space for shared learning and peer-led change.

The work was presented at the Participatory Innovation Conference (PIN-C) and featured at Cumulus Mumbai 2015, contributing to global conversations on sustainability, collaborative design, and water justice.