Child miners are finding an unlikely escape from goldmines, through football, writes Rebecca Cooke.
Child miners are finding an unlikely escape from goldmines, through football.
Burkina Faso is experiencing a 21st-century gold rush, which is drawing more and more children into mining. More than 20,000 children in the West African country are employed in the gold sector, which is made up of mostly unregulated artisanal mines. The work is dangerous and often deadly. Labouring up to 12 metres below ground, in suffocating darkness, children are often trapped when mines collapse.
The New Internationalist is an independent bi-monthly not-for-profit magazine that reports on action for global justice. We believe in putting people before profit, in climate justice, tax justice, equality, social responsibility and human rights for all.
New Internationalist acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We acknowledge that these lands were stolen and sovereignty was never ceded. We pay our respects to Elders both past and present.
© Copyright New Internationalist 1973-2026. Except where otherwise noted, content on this site is licensed under Creative Commons.
Except where otherwise noted, images on this site are © the attributed photographer/illustrator or representative agency.