Maputo, 3 Jun (AIM) – Over 170 minors continue to be involved in illegal mining in the central Mozambican province of Manica, despite the campaign carried out, over the last two years, in order to prevent child labor in the region.
According to a source from the District Health, Women and Social Action Services, over the last two years, Manica district registered nearly 700 children involved in illegal mining.
The authorities managed to rescue and reintegrate more than 500 children into schools and “currently, 177 children continue to practice illegal mining, often attracted by friends and without the knowledge of their guardians. Among them are girls.”
The “Seis Carros” region, for example, has become one of the largest centres of attraction for gold miners in Manica. It is estimated that more than ten thousand people, both Mozambicans and foreigners, are seeking gold there, despite the risks.
In addition to mining, various commercial activities are developed on site, mostly conducted by young people, creating a parallel economy that has been growing outside of the control of the authorities.
According to the Department of Studies and Legislation at the National Directorate of Labor, about 2.4 million Mozambican minors have already been involved in child labor since the approval of the list of dangerous jobs in 2027, which means that the country must strengthen the protection of children against dangerous activities.
The Family Budget Survey (IOF) points out that child labor in Mozambique decreased from about 20 percent to 16 percent “however, children are still involved in dangerous work, mainly in the areas of agriculture, informal trade, domestic work, heavy cargo transport, fishing and mining.”
Am/
