Mineritos (little miners) is the name which are known the thousands of children who works inside the Bolivian mines.
Bolivia is a thankful land placed in the heart of the Andes, but also is one of the poorest countries in South America (probably the poorest one). Its fate and history have been close linked to the exploitation of its underground resources. Still nowadays mining is one of the most important activities in the country. But the conditions are extremely meagre. Bolivia has some of the most dangerous mines in the world.
Acording to UNICEF figures in 2011 an estimated number of 380.000 Bolivian children work in a wide range of activities. Children as young as 6 work in the sugar cane and mining industries, two of the harshest jobs in the country.
The number of children who works inside or around mines is uncertain. But it is estimated in something around 13.000 children all over the country.
