The Ugly Face of Beauty
Mica is a naturally
occurring mineral that is widely used in makeup for its shimmery
quality. It makes eyeshadow dazzle and gives foundations a sought-after
natural glow. You would be hard-pressed to find a brand of cosmetics
that doesn’t use it today. However, its procurement is often illegal,
involves child labour and is associated with health and safety risks.
This
is the situation in India, where 60% of the world’s mica is produced.
The impoverished population of Jharkhand State mine for mica despite it
being banned. This is destroying the state’s nature reserve, but the
world’s growing interest in mica-based cosmetics means production
continues. For many locals it’s their only source of income. Even though
there are serious occupational health hazards linked to mica
production, whole families work in the industry, including very young
children. Not a month goes by without somebody dying in the mines.
Child
slave labour is shockingly common here. Forced to work and deprived of
education, these kids are left with only one option – to remain stuck
forever in this dangerous and underpaid job. While many big cosmetic
companies refuse to buy mica directly from illegal mines, they don’t
question where the processing plants they shop at get their supplies
from. Meanwhile, the vast majority of the mines in Jharkhand are
illegal. RT Doc travels to Jharkhand to discover the unsightly side of
mica’s glitter.
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