By Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
Ebonyi State, known for its abundant mineral resources, has been a source of prosperity for its residents who engage in daily mining activities to make ends meet.
However, the vast mineral deposits have unwittingly led to a grave issue – the exploitation of underage labor.
A recent visit to mining sites in Enyigba, Ameka, and Akpoha paints a disturbing picture of young children who should be in school or learning trades, but instead, they idle away, lured by meager earnings from these sites.
Some of these underage children have found themselves as the breadwinners of their families, while their parents remain idle. Tragically, these young miners in the course of minning are exposed to various social vices, including cultism, drug abuse, and sexual exploitation.
Many of these promising children have dropped out of school with no intention of returning. This social malaise urgently demands attention, given its impact on society’s well-being.
Stakeholders in Ebonyi have voiced their concerns about the detrimental effects of underage mining, calling for government policies to curb this practice and promote education.
Princess Sylvia Ogbuniya, President of Ebonyi State Women in Mining, has been actively advocating against underage mining for the past two years. She highlights that the Mining Act of 2007 explicitly prohibits nursing mothers, pregnant women, and underage children from working in mining sites.
Ogbuniya explains, “Women in mining have taken action, visiting various sites and ensuring compliance with mining laws. In recent visits to Enyigba, Ameka, and Akpoha, we discovered three children aged 9, 11, and 12 who had abandoned school to work in a mining site during school hours. This is child abuse and child labor.”
She further elaborates that they plan to intensify their efforts in collaboration with the Ministry of Women’s Affairs to address this issue. They hope to see government policies that hold parents accountable for failing to send their children to school and allowing them to engage in hazardous mining work.
Barr Nkem Chukwu, legal adviser to Women in Mining (WIM) Ebonyi, emphasizes the grave social implications of underage mining, which adversely affect children’s education, health, and future prospects.
The situation in Ebonyi exposes a clear violation of education rights, as children meant to be in school are found laboring in dangerous conditions. Additionally, the health risks associated with handling hazardous minerals can manifest over long periods, leading to severe health issues, including infertility.
Moreover, parents have a legal duty to ensure their children’s access to education, but many neglect this responsibility, perpetuating poverty and limiting their children’s opportunities for a better future.
The health implications of mining on children include the risk of long-term health issues such as cancer and skin problems caused by exposure to chemicals and poisonous mineral resources. Dust, pollution, and the handling of heavy-duty equipment also pose serious health threats.
Furthermore, the prevalence of drug abuse and crime among children working in mining sites is a growing concern. Early exposure to drugs and substance abuse affects these children’s behavior, leading to increased crime rates and further societal issues.
In light of these challenges, it is imperative that the state government takes action to halt underage mining and ensure that children receive proper education and protection.