Mandhana_Anisha_AnalyticalReport

MGTS 7609-‐ Contemporary Employment Relations

Anisha Mandhana: 43654192 Semester 1, 2015

R e p o r t o n c o m p l e x i t i e s s u r r o u n d i n g t h e i s s u e s o f C h i l d L a b o u r i n M i n i n g S e c t o r .

Analytical Essay

ANALYTICAL ESSAY Anisha Mandhana: 43654192

MGTS 7609-‐ CONTEMPORARY EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Our society is both harsh and friendly towards children. On one hand, it is viewed that

children have the best facilities and live in better conditions than before while on the

other hand the modern industrial culture has made children victims of vested interests

of large multinationals who tend to neglect them in their pursuit to grow and gain

competitive advantage. Among such atrocities child labour is most prominent. Around

58.6 percent children work in the agricultural sector the highest among all sectors. The

Industry sector (include mining and quarrying, construction, manufacturing etc.)

includes 7.2 percent (ILO, 2012).

Child Labour in mining is spread worldwide. It is a hazardous occupation and all the

more dangerous for children because their mental capabilities are still growing.

Constant exposure to harmful chemicals and minerals can cause various diseases

including cancer. During the research I cam across various articles with alarming details

and statistics of how widespread the issue is.

The rationale for this analytical report is to understand issues relating to child labour in

small-‐scale mining sector. This report to be submitted to the CEO of ABC Mines LTD.,

headquartered in South Africa. The company owns many large mining sites in Africa,

Asia and some parts of Europe. The report starts with general facts about International

Labour Organization, Child labour and the mining industry. Later, the issue of child

labour specifically in the mining sector is addressed. Finally, there are few

recommendations that can be adopted by MNC’s suggesting ways they can contribute to

solve the issue of child labour.



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TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE NO.

1. INTRODUCTION…………………………………………………………………….. 4

2. BACKGROUND

2.1. INTERNATIONAL LABOR ORGANISATION…………………………5

2.2. CHILD LABOR……………………………………………………………5

2.3. MINING INDUSTRY……………………………………………………. 6

3. ISSUE-‐ OUTLINE……………………………………………………………………..7

3.1. CHILD LABOR IN THE MINING INDUSTRY………………………….8

3.2. PRESENT SITUATION…………………………………………………..9

4. RECOMMENDATIONS……………………………………………………………….10

4.1 LOCAL LEVEL………………………………………….………………..10

4.2 NATIONAL LEVEL…………………………….………………………..10

4.3 INTERNATIONAL LEVEL………………..……………………………..11

5. CONCLUSION…………………………………………………………………………11

6. REFERENCE…………………………………………………………………………..12

7. APPENDIX…………………………………………………………………………….15



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1. INTRODUCTION Globalization has essentially changed the power dynamics of the society. The world has

come closer. What was limited to domestic demands has now gone global. Though, this

change has opened corridors for various developing countries, it has also resulted in

governance and control issues. Thus, the shift of authority has caused states to loose

control. The change of power dynamics has necessitated standard global practices. To

ensure social, human, economical and environmental prosperity various governing

bodies have been set up. United nations (UN), World Trade Organization (WTO),

International Monetary fund (IMF), World Bank are some of them. The International

Labor Organization (ILO) is also one such institute that is set to safeguard employee

rights by setting up conventions and policies.

The notion of development has occupied universal thinking. But this economic progress

has affected the most susceptible elements of society, children. The Economist

mentioned, “Of all the alleged sins of globalization, child labour has been among the

most scorned” (Panjabi, 2009). It is a violation of basic rights of children affecting their

education, social life and physical and mental development. Of course the reaction

would be to ban child labour altogether but it is difficult to legalize informal or small-‐

scale sectors. One such sector is artisanal and small-‐scale mines (ASM).

Over the past few years child labor in ASM has caught considerable attention from ILO

and other organisations. Even after so much intensity surrounding this topic child labor

in mining resurfaces every few years. When civil wars break they destroy the source of

income of families specially living in the remote areas which forces parents to include

children in mining activities to support the family(ILO, 2015d). In such situations

Governments prove to be incompetent to employ laws.

UNICEF’s “Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys” (MICS) and ILO’s “Statistical Information

and Monitoring Programme on Child Labour” (SIMPOC) provide data relating to child

labour. Data of course cannot change the world but surely helps in the change process. 1

million children are engaged in small scale mines aged between 5 and 17 worldwide

(ILO, 2015d)



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2. BACKGROUND 2.1. THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANIZATION (ILO) Established in 1919, it became the first specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) in

1946(ILO, 2015a). With a unique tripartite structure, ILO aims to ensure equal rights at

work, develop decent employment opportunities, enable dialogues between employees

and employers, and provide social protection(ILO, 2015a). Since the inception, ILO has

created and upheld a fundamental system known as the “international labour

standards”. International Labour standards are legally enforceable mechanisms made by

the representatives of governments, employers and workers who form the structure of

ILO (ILO, 2015c). These standards are discussed at the International Labor Conference.

Standards are of two types: conventions-‐ international treaties that can be legally

enforced and recommendations-‐ non-‐binding instruments that function as

guidelines(ILO, 2015c).

Of the eight fundamental conventions by ILO, one establishes the “convention

concerning the prohibition and immediate action for the elimination of the worst form

of child labour.” (no.182). Article 3, Part (d) of the convention states that any “work

which, by its nature or the circumstances in which it is carried out, is likely to harm the health, safety or morals of children” shall be considered as “worst form of child

labour” (ILO, 2012).

Mining industry is one of the industry that violates this convention.

2.2. CHILD LABOUR Child labour is not a new phenomenon. From the time of the industrial revolution

children have worked in factories in Europe and America (Basu, 1999). It is now in the

modern times that child labour is more visible in Asia and Africa(Dessy & Pallage, 2005).

Child labour is basically the work that should not be done by children because either

they are very young to carry out that kind of work or it is dangerous for them. The ILO

defines child labour as the “work that deprives children of their childhood, their potential

and their dignity and that is harmful to physical and mental development”(ILO, 2012).



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Anyone below the age of 18 is termed as a child (ILO, 2012). But there are different age

restrictions for different jobs (Appendix-‐figure 1).

Around 171 million children are involved in hazardous forms of labour (UNICEF, 2015)

mostly hidden to avoid inspections. Astonishingly, every one child in seven can be

termed as a child labourer (UN, 2010b). The sub-‐Saharan African region has

approximately 65 million child workers(UN, 2010b). Every one in four children is said to

economically active in sub-‐Saharan Africa (UN, 2010b)(Appendix-‐Figure 2). Although

113 countries have endorsed the ILO convention the number continues to rise (Huesca,

2013). According to Baland and Robinson (2000), the more labour performed as a child,

the lower would be their earning potential in future. Although it can be argued that a 5

year old is definitely young to do hard-‐hitting labour but the same cannot be said for a

14 year old. Thus, the issue is not the work but the workplace, which is usually

dangerous for children (Boyden, 1991). To ensure that every child gets an opportunity

to grow and prosper the “worst forms of child labour” need to be eliminated.

Now the question arises that despite such grievous consequences why is child labour

still prevalent in the mining sector? According to Lahiri-‐Dutt (2008) the economic

conditions of the family is one of the main reason for parents pushing children into

labour. Children help to strengthen the family income. One of the reasons for having

children in developing countries is their possible contribution to the family income

(Siddiqi & Patrinos, 1995). Lack of primary education and training to avail jobs in cities

makes mining an attractive occupation for locals residing around a mining site (Huesca,

2013). Strong cash reserves are not required to join the mining industry. What is

required is a pin bar, some sacks and lot of energy (Huesca, 2013). In Africa specifically

child labour is not considered ‘bad’ intrinsically but assumed to be a ‘way of life’ (Hilson,

2008). Some correlation also exists between child labour and poverty (Hilson,

2008)(Appendix-‐ Figure 3).

2.3. MINING INDUSTRY Mining is known to be among the three hazardous occupations along with agriculture

and construction (ILO, 2005). Approximately 13 million workers work in mining and

quarrying activities (ILO, 2005). There is no doubt that mining is a perilous occupation



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and is associated with significant health and safety hazards especially for children.

Dangerous work conditions in the mines result in accidents and loss of human life.

Moreover, poisonous substance released from mining equipment cause health issues to

population in the surrounding areas (Fernández-‐Navarro et al., 2012).

Small-‐scale mining and quarrying activities are usually artisanal and labour-‐ intensive

(ILO, 2005). Though they are small in size compared to large mining sites, they have a

significant contribution to the nation’s economy (Hilson, 2010). Artisanal and small-‐

scale mining (ASM) is not well known but high amounts of minerals are extracted from

these sites(Huesca, 2013)and around 20 million people are dependent on this type of

mining (Lahiri-‐Dutt, 2008). Major problem related to ASM is that their located in remote

areas. The large mines consider them illegal. Thus, including them under administrative

regulation becomes difficult (ILO, 2005).

Artisanal and small-‐scale mining (ASM) is in the most awful state in sub-‐Saharan Africa

with high HIV/AIDS cases being reported (Hilson, 2010). The area has long been known

as the place with highest number of child laborers (Hilson, 2010). South African mine

sites face critical safety issues. Every working day one worker dies and about 16 are

injured on these sites in mine-‐related accidents (Leon, 2012).

3. ISSUE-‐ OUTLINE “Children go deep underground in tunnels only as wide as their bodies…

Children haul loads of coal that weigh more than they do….

Children sit for long hours in the sun, pounding boulders into the road gravel…

Children use their hands to work gold out of rocks using toxic mercury…

Children squat the whole day in water, sifting through sand for a precious gem…” (ILO,

2015d)



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3.1. CHILD LABOUR IN MINING INDUSTRY Mining is extremely hazardous for children. Physical harm can be caused as it involves

strenuous work of carrying heavy metals, machinery and equipment. Children are

exposed to extreme heat and cold in the rickety underground mining sites. There is a

constant risk of injury or disease or even death. It can be mentally disturbing since

mining is usually done in isolated areas away from family and community where there

are no social services available.

An average child labourer engaged in small-‐scale mining is a child aged below 15 years

and works usually above ground (ILO, 2005). Children perform various activities in the

production line of ASM in different countries depending on the type of extraction and

mines. They are required to clean the underground ore and transport the subsequent

product weighing 10-‐25 kgs. They drill tunnels in the mines using adult size hammers

and chisels as well remove water from those tunnels in underground mining. In river

mining they assist in diving for sediments and sometimes dive themselves. Children

crush heavy stones, wash and amalgamate gold, pick precious stones etc. (ILO, 2005).

They do not receive direct pay; they contribute indirectly to family’s income (Baland &

Robinson, 2000). Such children are likely to have respiratory and skin ailments and also

symptoms of mercury poisoning (Beegle et al., 2009). Most of these are rough areas

where children may also face drug and alcohol abuse or may be forced into prostitution.

Interestingly, an important reason for adopting the convention against child labour was

the coal-‐dust covered blackened face of children working in mines (ILO, 2015d).

Unfortunately, even after 100 years not much has changed. Away from the public eye,

children working in ASM’s are susceptible to array of physical and mental hazards that

are not usually part of other type works. There is no rationale to justify the working of

children in mining and quarrying (ILO, 2005).

Following are few characteristics of ASM as identified by ILO (2005)

• Machines are not economically viable as the minerals deposits are very small. Children

are employed to carry out physical work, as they are only one who can fit in those small

tunnels.



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• Lack of occupational safety and healthcare.

• Low recovery from small sites, which forces families to include their children to meet

both ends. Income is sometimes as less as 1 US$ each family per day.

• Periodic nature of business leads to family migration, which harms education of

children.

• Lack of knowledge relating to environmental and physical hazards of mining among

mine workers.

• 2 categories-‐ mining for high value, minerals like gold and diamonds and mining for

industrial construction materials.

3.2 PRESENT SITUATION Considerable steps have been taken to curb child labour. Communities internationally

have recognized child labour as a hindrance to the achievement of children’s rights (UN,

2010a). In November 2006, 183 members of ILO have set the goal to eliminate child

labour by 2016 (UN, 2010a). Supported by ILO the “International Programme on the

Elimination of child labour (IPEC)” was set up in 1992(ILO, 2015b). It aims to take steps

to gradually eliminate child labour with operations in 188 countries(ILO, 2015b). In

June 2005 World Day against child labour was themed on child labour in mining where

13 countries and global organizations pledged to eliminate child labour (ILO, 2007).

The supporters of IPEC have been growing globally over the years. Employers,

Governments, NGO’s, Media, Universities and most importantly children have pledged to

support the initiative (ILO, 2015b)(Appendix-‐ Figure 4). A programme called “minors

out of Mining” is undertaken to remove child labour from ASM(ILO, 2007). Though at a

slow rate child labour is declining. There was a 3% decline from 2004 to 2008 compared

to 10% from 2000 to 2004 with still 115 million children working under hazardous

conditions (UN, 2010a).

The problem of ASM’s economic viability and issues have been identified by the World

Bank, UK Department for International Development (DfID) and UN and over the past 15

years millions of dollars have been apportioned to provide assistance for ASM’s in sub-‐

Saharan Africa (Hilson, 2008). However, not much has been achieved. Emphasis has



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largely been on solving the technical problems neglecting the labor, economic and social

problems in African ASM(Hilson, 2008).

4. RECOMMENDATIONS The formalized legal mining sector does not have the issue of Child labour and they do

not have the right to regulate ASM’s but Large MNC’s can contribute in their own specific

way to recover the reputation of the whole mining industry in the following ways.

4.1 LOCAL LEVEL In coordination with regional government and alliances of small-‐scale miners, large

organisations can ameliorate health and safety standards in small mines.

a) Impart training to adult miners for using technology that supports mining

operations that would reduce threats of accidents on mine sites.

b) Conduct workshops to generate awareness about the ill-‐effects of poisonous

chemicals and elements like mercury that can harm both children and adults. Thus,

miners would take precaution when dealing with them.

c) Help to improve productivity at small-‐scale mining sites and guide miners to enter

new markets to sell their produce.

d) Participate by providing funds to Governments to improve education and training

facilities for children.

4.2 NATIONAL LEVEL As a company with prestige and economic advantage large mines can help at a

national level.

a) Collaborate with Central Government and NGO’s to develop and execute

programmes to uplift the poor. This may be done by direct funding or by way of

taxes paid to the Government.

b) Influence Governments to focus on small-‐scale mining and to include them in legal

regulations, thus making child labour illegal in ASM’s.

c) Form an agency including representatives of other large Mine companies and small

mines and workers to discuss various issues and coming up with solutions to those

issues.



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4.3 INTERNATIONAL LEVEL With offices internationally large companies can discuss about the realities of child

labour with companies in other industries as well.

a) Companies can draw interventions to tackle the problem of child labour.

b) Invest in infrastructure in third world countries.

5. CONCLUSION Child labour in small-‐scale mining and ASM as a whole has received less attention in

literatures till now (Hilson, 2008; Huesca, 2013) in spite of it being a grave issue that

needs to be curbed. Numerous different laws have been introduced and projects

have been adopted to eliminate child labour. But child labour in mining has been

neglected probably because there are less number of children occupied in this form

of labour. However, its hazardous nature demands attention and this kind of

exploitation needs to be stopped. Just banning the “worst forms of child labour”

won’t help because there are chances of mixing child labour as choice and as slavery

(Dessy & Pallage, 2005). Thus, constant efforts are required to eradicate child labour

from its roots.

We have laws and commitments, what is now required is execution of these laws.

Large companies have the power to battle for social causes. They can promote

socially conscious behavior. The few accomplishments gives hope that child labour

can be eliminated. It requires more awareness and commintment. Without full

support of large MNC’s addressing the issue will be difficult. It is imperative that

more data be collected relating to ASM’s so that it helps in devicing policies to deal

particularly with child labour in small-‐scale mining.



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6. REFERENCES

Baland, J., & Robinson, J. A. 2000. Is child labor inefficient? journal of Political Economy,

108(4): 663-‐679.

Basu, K. 1999. Child labor: Cause, consequence, and cure, with remarks on international

labor standards. Journal of economic literature, 37(3): 1083-‐1119.

Beegle, K., Dehejia, R., & Gatti, R. 2009. Why should we care about child labor?: The

education, labor market, and health consequences of child labor. Journal of Human

Resources, 44(4): 871-‐889.

Boyden, J. 1991. Working children in lima, peru. Protecting Working Children, Zed

Books, London.

Dessy, S. E., & Pallage, S. 2005. A theory of the worst forms of child labour. The

Economic Journal, 115(500): 68-‐87.

Fernández-‐Navarro, P., García-‐Pérez, J., Ramis, R., Boldo, E., & López-‐Abente, G. 2012.

Proximity to mining industry and cancer mortality. The Science of the total

environment, 435-‐436: 66-‐73.

Hilson, G. 2008. ‘A load too heavy’: Critical reflections on the child labor problem in

africa's small-‐scale mining sector. Children and Youth Services Review, 30(11): 1233-‐

1245.

Hilson, G. 2010. Child labour in african artisanal mining communities: Experiences from

northern ghana. Development and change, 41(3): 445-‐473.



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Huesca, E. F. 2013. Gender and child labor issues in mining: A preliminary study on the

artisanal and small-‐scale mining (ASM) industry in davao oriental, philippines.

Procedia-‐Social and Behavioral Sciences, 91: 150-‐157.

ILO. 2007. Ending child labour (1st ed.). Geneva: Malin Hansson IPEC.

ILO. What is child labour. http://www.ilo.org/ipec/facts/lang-‐-‐en/index.htm

11/06/2015.

ILO. About the ILO. http://www.ilo.org/global/about-‐the-‐ilo/lang-‐-‐en/index.htm

11/06/2015.

ILO. About the international programme on the elimination of child labour (IPEC).

http://www.ilo.org/ipec/programme/lang-‐-‐en/index.htm 11/06/2015.

ILO. Conventions and recommendations.

http://www.ilo.org/global/standards/introduction-‐to-‐international-‐labour-‐

standards/conventions-‐and-‐recommendations/lang-‐-‐en/index.htm 11/06/2015.

ILO. Mining and quarrying. http://www.ilo.org/ipec/areas/Miningandquarrying/lang-‐-‐

en/index.htm 11/06/2015.

International Labour Organisation. 2005. Eliminating child labour in mining and

quarrying (1st ed.). Geneva: International labour Organisation.

International labour Organisation. Labour standards.

http://www.ilo.org/dyn/normlex/en/f?p=NORMLEXPUB:12100:0::NO::P12100_ILO_CO

DE:C182 11/06/2015.



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Lahiri-‐Dutt, K. 2008. Digging to survive women's livelihoods in south asia's small mines

and quarries. South Asian Survey, 15(2): 217-‐244.

Leon, P. 2012. Whither the south african mining industry? Journal of Energy & Natural

Resources Law, 30(1): 5.

Panjabi, R. K. L. 2009. Sacrificial lambs of globalization: Child labor in the twenty-‐first

century. Denver Journal of International Law and Policy, 37(3): 421.

Siddiqi, F., & Patrinos, H. A. 1995. Child labor: Issues, causes and interventionsWorld

Bank Washington DC.

UN. Child labour-‐ making progress.

http://www.un.org/en/globalissues/briefingpapers/childlabour/makingprogress.shtm

l 11/06/2015.

UN. Child labour vital statistics.

http://www.un.org/en/globalissues/briefingpapers/childlabour/vitalstats.shtml

11/06/2015.

UNICEF. Child protection. http://data.unicef.org/child-‐protection/child-‐labour

11/06/2015.



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7. APPENDIX

FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 2.



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FIGURE 3.

FIGURE 4.

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