These miners work with technical support from the Service d’Assistance et d’Encadrement du Small Scale Mining (Small-scale-mining technical assistance and training service - SAESSCAM) and are organised by the Maadini Kwa Kilimo Cooperative (CMKK).

[4][7] Misa Mining controls testing of the ore to determine cobalt and copper content, and an investigation in 2011-2012 found evidence that they systematically undervalue the metal content and did not honestly measured the weight of the ore.[4] Sixty miners died during 2011, making Tilwezembe one of the most dangerous mines in the world.

[8] Miners report that Misa Mining covers up the accidents by burying the dead in secret without allowing families to recover their relatives' bodies.

[4] An April 2012 BBC Panorama investigation filmed conditions at the mine, finding some workers there as young as 10.

[9][8][2] In response to the allegations, Glencore denied any association with the operations on their property, claiming that they make efforts to avoid processing material sourced from artisanal mining.