HIDDEN TRUTH BEHIND MICA MINING

 what is mica and what is it used for?

Mica is a mineral that is often found in igneous and metamorphic rocks. It is a silicate mineral that is composed of aluminum, potassium, magnesium, iron, and other elements. Mica has unique properties that make it an important material in a variety of industries, such as the electronics, construction, and cosmetics industries. 

Mica is a commonly used ingredient in many beauty products, especially in cosmetics such as eyeshadows, blushes, bronzers, and highlighters.





Where is mica found?


Mica is a mineral that is found all over the world, and its distribution is widespread. Some of the countries that are major producers of mica include India, Russia, the United States, China, Brazil, and Madagascar.


In India, mica is primarily found in the states of Jharkhand, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, and Rajasthan. The country is one of the world's largest producers of mica and is estimated to have about 60% of the world's mica reserves. The mica produced in India is mainly of the muscovite and phlogopite varieties.

Mica can be obtained through mining. Large-scale mining operations extract mica from mines or quarries, and the extracted mica is sorted and processed to remove impurities and obtain the
desired quality.


DARK SECRET BEHIND MICA MINING 

There is a significant issue with child labor in the mica mining sector, particularly in developing countries like Madagascar, Brazil, and India. Children as young as five are frequently made to work in the mines, where people endure long shifts of physically challenging work in hazardous environments.


The situation is particularly dire for girls, who are often subjected to sexual harassment and abuse in the mines. They are also at higher risk of trafficking and forced marriage, and are more likely to drop out of school and become trapped in a cycle of poverty.Some of the most significant harms ;

Health dangers:

Mica mining involves working in dangerous conditions, including working in cramped and poorly ventilated mines, which can cause respiratory problems and other health issues. Children may also be exposed to harmful chemicals used in the mining process, which can lead to long-term health problems. They are therefore highly vulnerable to sicknesses, lung damage, and other severe health issues.

Accidents and injuries:

Children who work in mica mines are at risk of serious injuries and accidents, including falls, cave-ins, and being struck by falling rocks.These children typically work without protective equipment in cramped and poorly ventilated mines, where they are exposed to toxic chemicals and dust. They typically work without protective equipment, because of their small size, they have problem safely traveling the mines

Mental health impacts:

Working in mines can be physically and mentally exhausting, and can have a profound psychological impact on children who are forced to work in such conditions. They could also suffer depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems.

Social effect: 

Children who work in mines may also experience social isolation, as they are unable to participate in normal childhood activities, such as going to school, playing with friends, and pursuing hobbies.


 Education deprivation

Working in mines takes away children's opportunities for education,which can have lifelong consequence. They may never get a chance to develop essential skills for their futures, such as reading, writing, and basic arithmetic.


Uncounted Accidens of children for mica mining


It is hard to guess the exact number of kids who have died in India's mica mines since many incidents go unrecorded or are not properly documented. However, there have been multiple examples of child labor and abuse in mica mines, according to the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) in India, which have led to harm and even fatalities.

For example, at least seven children who were working in the mine were killed in a landslide in 2016 in the Indian state of Jharkhand. This incident drew attention to the risks associated with child labor in mica mines and the demand for improved efforts to address this problem.

Additionally, a 2018 report by Terre des Hommes, an international children's rights organization, estimated that up to 20,000 children work in mica mines in India, and many of them are exposed to hazardous conditions and face health risks. The report also documented cases of children who had been injured or killed while working in the mines.

The use of child labor in mica mines is a serious violation of children's rights, and efforts are being made to address this issue and ensure that companies that use mica in their products are taking steps to ensure that their supply chains are free from child labor and exploitation.



SOLUTION   



The use of child labor in mica mines is a serious problem that requires immediate attention and action. There are several steps that can be taken to help address this issue and provide support for children who are working in mica mines:


Education: Education is a critical component of addressing the issue of child labor in mica mines. Children who are able to attend school are less likely to be subjected to hazardous working conditions and have a better chance of breaking the cycle of poverty. Providing access to education, including vocational training and apprenticeships, can help children develop skills that will serve them well in the future.


Enforce existing laws: Governments can work to enforce existing laws that prohibit child labor, particularly in hazardous industries such as mining. This can include stronger penalties for companies that are found to be using child labor, as well as increased monitoring and inspections of mines and supply chains.Some beauty brands have taken steps to ensure that their mica is ethically sourced, such as by requiring their suppliers to adhere to strict labor and environmental standards. Others have turned to synthetic mica, which is produced in a laboratory and does not involve the same ethical concerns as natural mica.

Support for families: Many children who are working in mica mines come from families that are living in poverty. Providing support for these families, such as financial assistance, job training, and access to healthcare, can help to address the root causes of child labor and provide children with alternatives to working in mines.


Raise awareness: Raising awareness of the issue of child labor in mica mines is critical to addressing this problem. This can include media campaigns, public education programs, and advocacy efforts to raise awareness among policymakers, industry leaders, and consumers.


In summary, addressing the issue of child labor in mica mines requires a comprehensive approach that includes education, law enforcement, support for families and raising awareness. By working together, we can help to ensure that children are protected from exploitation and have access to the opportunities they need to build a better future.








My name is Mohammad Wasee Raiyan.

I live in Aftabnagar,Dhaka with my family. 


My mother’s name is shirin sultana. She is a govt. Service holder. Her occupation is associate professor, Kabi Nazrul govt college. My father’s name is Abu zafar Mian. He is also a govt. Service holder.His occupation is district co-operative officer, Munshiganj. I Have a elder brother. He has completed his graduation from MIST in Computer science and engineering (C.S.E). Now he is doing job as revenue avenue specialist in Robi.


Now I am studying in BRAC University and my subject is Bachelors of Business Administration. I have completed my S.S.C and H.S.C from Willes Little Flower School and College with gpa 4.83 and 5.00.


My hobby is travelling and watching movies. I love to travel in different places in our country. So when I get free time I make plans with my friends or relatives for a tour. My favourite game is cricket and badminton. My team was champion 2 times in my area tournament.One of the hobbies that I want to pick up again is playing my piano. I started practicing piano in 2017 and stopped playing it in 2020 due to the pressure of my studies.



I would describe my self as an out going and friendly person.I think I can get along with other people easily no matter what the circumstances are.

 Thank you.







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