Children in Keteringi in Kacha Local Government Area of Niger have abandoned school for artisan mining activities in the area, a report says.
Journalists checking on mining sites found children aged 10 to 15 and supposed to be in school working in mineral mining instead.
One teenager, Bashir Ibrahim, said, “We are looking for gold as means of livelihood.
“We don’t have any other work to do hence we need to participate in the mining business.”
Ramatu Isa, a pregnant woman, said she was into mining to cater for her family.
“I am aware that this is not healthy for me and the baby I am carrying, but I cannot just be idle; I have to support my husband. I usually get N3,000 per day, depending on the number of gold found while breaking stones.“
Abubakar Dogo moved from Kaduna after he got information that mining was turning a profit.
“The business is very lucrative. We sell one gramme of gold for N10,0000 which is very good, “ he added.
Kabiru Musa said “We have sponsors that provide mining equipment which make our work easy and we share the profit together.
“I built my personal house, got a new wife from the business and of recent bought a motor cycle.
“I am not ready to quit the business as I am planning to buy a new set of mining equipment so that others can rent from me, “ he said.
Adamu Garba, Director of Mining, Niger Ministry of Environment, described the participation of children in the mining as child labour, which should be frowned at.
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