Some 1 million children work in artisanal and small-scale mines that rely on basic techniques and often belong to the "informal sector" that avoids government regulation. Mines in Africa, Asia and Latin America produce 15 per cent of the world's gold. This gold often reaches traders and refiners in Switzerland, Dubai and elsewhere.
At great risk, children dig pits and work underground, haul and crush ore, and are exposed to toxic mercury used to separate out the gold. Many don't go to school; others do, including Julius, but find it hard to keep up. Much of this work is prohibited under international law for anyone under 18
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