Ernie Valle
Compassionate Mining Pioneer
Ernie Valle founded Raptor Mining in early 2015 after his prospecting trips to Honduras, during which he noticed the harmful effects of artisanal mining on the environment and local communities. Raptor Mining was brought forward with a mission to bring together good equipment, innovative technology, and compassionate mining practices, to alleviate the effects of artisanal mining in Honduras.
Personal Statement
“There is a great need for expertise in designing and implementing programs that mitigate the damage caused by artisanal gold mining while aiding the communities where its impact is most felt.
When I first visited Honduras, I found that the living conditions for the people there, were far less than ideal. These villages are extremely impoverished areas, and from the housing to the schools and even the water, these people had far less than what is needed to sustain a healthy community. For the rural Hondurans, whether it is the fact that the village just can’t sustain a school or that the children are forced to work, I knew these children needed some sort of stable education. I immediately thought, “What can I do to help these people?” At this point I realized I had an opportunity, through my mining business, to improve these villages.”