MICA AND MICA MINING
What is mica?
You may not know what mica is, but chances are you’ve seen it many times in makeup stores. Most makeup contains glitters, shimmers, or sparkles that use up a lot of mica to get a pretty look. Mica is a small flaky type mineral found mainly in the states of Jharkhand and Bihar of India.
What is mica used for? Where is it located?
Along with makeup, mica is used for insulation in electric cables and filler in cement and asphalt.
According to Vedantu, India produces 60% of the world’s mica – the biggest percentage of mica produced by any country in the world.
Another country that also produces mica is Madagascar.
History of Mica Mining
Mica was first mined about 4,000 years ago in India, where its main purpose was in medicines. It was used by the Mayans to add some decorative shine in the stucco to make their temples sparkle. Today, it is used in neon lights, electronics, and makeup.
How is mica mined?
Mica Miners have to go at least 20 feet down into a narrow hole in the ground, to chip away rocks slowly and carefully. Inside these “rocks,” there are microscopic bits mica flakes, which shine brightly in the darkness of the cave. Once the miners have mined the rock to the smallest form possible, they come out of the cave and chip away the mica to get very fine flakes. These mica flakes are then exported around the world and used in various everyday items, especially makeup.
How is mica mining dangerous to children?
- The children are forced underground through narrow shafts. Sometimes, they get caved in as suffocating rocks pile high on top of them.
- Loose rocks which the children have to climb on are constantly falling.
- Another danger of mica mining are the very high levels of dust. Since the children are constantly exposed to dust, it can lead to pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses which are fatal if not treated timely.
- There is also a lack of tools and resources to chip the mica into pieces, so they often get cuts and skin infections, which are also fatal if not taken care of in a timely manner.
MICA MINING IN INDIA
Mica mines in India are located mainly in Jharkhand and Bihar, where mica is abundantly found underground and in rocks. Mica mining with the use of child labor is illegal in India, but there still continue to be mines that use children because the police can’t find all of them (mica mines are usually scattered all over the area).
Image Source: ImpactCity, refinery29, Times of India, Udayavani, The Logical Indian, Somo
MICA FREE MAKEUP
Although mica is used in many different items (TV, cement, neon lights), makeup isn’t a necessity and can the mica ingredient in the makeup is easily replaceable.
OMINANA sells mica free makeup. The have devoted their mission to this cause. Choose over hundreds of beauty products in different shapes, colors, and sizes. Good quality and long-lasting products!
au NATURALE sources mica ethically and doesn’t use child labor. They have a variety of products to choose from.