In this inspiring episode of Deep Dives with DPI, we catch up with Grace Akinyi, CEO of Women in Mining Kenya and winner of the 2024 Mining Innovation Research Battlefield Grant. Grace shares her journey from ideation to implementation of her groundbreaking bio-glove project, designed to protect women working with mercury in artisanal gold processing.
Grace and Florence discuss:
- The development of a bacterial cellulose-based protective glove that offers both immediate mercury protection and long-term safety applications
- The challenges and triumphs of transforming a laboratory concept into a practical solution for mining communities
- The ripple effects of innovation success, from inspiring other scientists to creating new mentorship opportunities
The conversation provides a unique glimpse into the process of developing mining innovations in challenging environments, while highlighting the importance of community engagement and collaborative research. Grace also discusses how her current studies at the Colorado School of Mines are helping shape her vision for scaling the project's impact.