Analysis of Child Labor in Artisanal Gold Mines in the Rural Commune of Fourou, Cercle De Kadiolo, Sikasso Region, Mali

Abstract

Mining is one of the most dangerous work sectors in the world, or child labor is frequent in the artisanal mines. This study attempts to analyze child labor in the artisanal gold mines in the rural commune of Fourou, cercle de Kadiolo, Mali. Data were collected from a random sampling of 120 children working on the commune's different artisanal gold mining sites. The study revealed that 74.2% of children are between 15 to17 year old and   95% are favorable to this job. 45.8% think that the work is unsuitable for children. 83.6% consider health and safety conditions on site to be deplorable. 85.1% said that it’s due to the family poverty that they work in the mines, with the risk of health problems, injury and collapsing galleries (pits). For them, this job enables them to earn an income, but they   faced to verbal, physical and economic violence.