in child labour in 2000. This dropped marginally to 48% in 2005 and then increased again back up to 50% in 2010 (Statistics Sierra Leone, 2001) (Statistics Sierra Leone and UNICEF, 2011). 415. The issue of economic and sexual exploitation is particularly problematic in the mining context. Whilst the growth of the mining industry holds great potential for improving the social and economic growth and development of Sierra Leone, it also presents risks for children. Despite the clear legal prohibition of children working in mines by the Child Rights Act (which defines mine work as hazardous work) and the criminalization, by the 2012 Sexual Offences Act, of obtaining the services of a child as a sex worker, child mine workers and child commercial sex workers are a common occurrence in and around the mines in Sierra Leone. There are no accurate statistics as to the scale of the problem, however the numbers are significant (estimated to run into the tens of thousands of children) and with the expansion of alluvial mining, the numbers are projected to grow (MSWGCA, June 2014). 416. Mining activities, child mining and sexual exploitation of children living and working in and around mines create a number of risks for the survival, well-being and development of affected children, including the following: a. b. 417. Mining creates environmental threats to children, their families and communities around the mines caused by pollution, flooding and underground blasting; Children working in mines experience heightened health problems, including fevers, diarrhoea, muscular pain and other complications related to their work environment. The GoSL is concerned with the harmful consequences of mining for children and has, through the MSWGCA commissioned a study to understand the problem better so as to improve the protective framework for the affected children. A study was conducted in 2014 which identified a number of reasons why child mining and children involved in commercial sex work on the mines is so prevalent, despite the clear legal prohibitions. These included: a. b. Economic pressures associated with the high levels of poverty in Sierra Leone; and The high cost of education, notably the practice within schools where teachers charge students for learning materials (MSWGCA, June 2014). A number of recommendations were made and the GoSL will, through the MSWGCA be pursuing the development of a stronger protective framework which guarantees children affected by the mines their rights to health, education and protection from neglect, abuse and exploitation. 418. Implementation of the provisions in the Child Rights Act protecting children against exploitation is challenged by the devolution of responsibilities to local councils which are expected to protect the welfare and promote the rights of children within their jurisdiction. Fulfilment of responsibilities is made difficult by lack of capacity as well as poor coordination and collaboration at a national and sub-national level amongst key partners responsible for interventions which cut across sectors, such as education, social welfare, labour and mines. 9. Special Protection Measures  107