Steven Ariza, 35, overseeing one of the guaquero associations, said the group advocates for Esmeraldas Mining Services to hire more workers from Muzo, source supplies locally and generally invest in the region.

Steven Medina, 24, also seeks to bring awareness to the plight of the miners.

Medina leads foreign buyers on regular tours of the mines to show them the reality behind the precious gems, most of which end up in either Europe or the United States.

People need a lot of help in Muzo, he said.