Millions of labourers, predominantly migrant workers, toil in thousands of small-scale and artisanal stone quarries in Rajasthan, both licensed and unlicensed. As traditional agriculture declines due to desertification, these workers have turned to mining as their only viable livelihood option.

The Rajasthan government has opened numerous quarries to provide alternative employment. However, without proper training mandates, the workforce remains unskilled and underserved, facing hazardous conditions that lead to serious health issues and fatalities. Displaced by climate change, these laborers face its harsh effects again through unsafe mining practices.

Addressing Challenges

At MLPC, we tackle the multifaceted challenges quarry laborers face, such as unsafe conditions, lack of recognition, exploitation, and climate change displacement. We advocate for stronger regulations, offer training programs, and amplify laborers’ voices in decision-making. Promoting sustainable practices like we aim to mitigate and adapt to climate impacts.

We call for a comprehensive Mining Policy that prioritizes laborers’ well-being and environmentally responsible practices. Our initiatives enhance skills and resilience, engage communities in sustainable practices, and foster partnerships with stakeholders committed to environmental stewardship.

The Power of Partnerships

MLPC values the power of collaboration. By working with organizations, government agencies, and industry stakeholders, we leverage collective action to benefit quarry laborersand address interconnected labor rights and climate challenges. MLPC’s socio-technical approach has enabled miners’ families to establish solar-powered flour mills, significantly mitigating climate change. By transitioning from diesel-powered to solar-powered mills, dependency on non-renewable resources is reduced, cutting greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality. This shift also promotes sustainable practices, such as using locally sourced grains to minimize transportation emissions and support agricultural communities. MLPC’s efforts foster economic resilience and environmental stewardship, creating a more sustainable and prosperous future.

Call to Action

Join us in creating a just and equitable future for quarry laborers, resilient in the face of climate change. Your support, whether through volunteering, donating, or raising awareness, can make a tangible difference. Together, we can build a more sustainable future for all. Connect with our cause and help transform lives. Let’s work together for a brighter tomorrow.

GREEN BUSINESS

The mining workforce comprises uprooted rural poor, predominantly Dalits and Tribals, who have joined the sector as unskilled manual laborers due to a lack of alternatives. Notably, 48% of the female workforce consists of widows of mine workers who lost their lives to accidents and occupational diseases like silicosis.

The mining sector neglects to invest in skill development for these workers or in advanced technology to ensure their health and safety. Consequently, victims of occupational health and safety (OHS) issues, along with their families, often seek alternative livelihoods.

At MLPC, we are committed to assessing the capacities of these individuals and providing skill development programs. By doing so, we empower them to pursue alternative livelihoods, fostering economic resilience and improving their quality of life.

MLPC is driving transformative change by empowering miners’ families to establish green businesses such as goat farming, solar-powered flour mills, timber plantations, mushroom cultivation, honey culturing and vermicompost development. Through comprehensive training and support, these families can adopt sustainable practices, significantly reducing environmental harm and resource depletion.

Our initiative aims to boost the economy by creating green job opportunities and accelerating the growth of the green market. By promoting renewable energy adoption and efficient resource use, we are fostering a transition to sustainability that aligns with global objectives like climate action and sustainable development. This shift not only mitigates environmental impact but also enhances economic resilience and community well-being.

Just Transition

MLPC is dedicated to facilitating a fair and equitable shift for miners and their families by aiding them in creating eco-friendly businesses and new income sources. Our program helps miners transition to sustainable practices through comprehensive training, resources, and funding for green enterprises. This empowers families to embrace eco-friendly entrepreneurship, protecting widowed wives from the necessity of entering the mining industry. By diversifying income streams and building resilience against the economic fluctuations of the mining sector, MLPC ensures a fair transition that promotes a harmonious and prosperous future for miners and their families. This initiative aligns with global objectives for climate action and sustainable development, fostering long-term community well-being and environmental stewardship.

Alternate Living

MLPC’s initiative to establish alternative livelihoods for mine workers and the young widows of miners has made a profound impact. By providing training, financial support, and mentorship, MLPC aids these individuals in transitioning to non-mining occupations, reducing their dependency on a volatile industry. Professions such as goat farming, timber plantations, solar-powered flour mills, mushroom cultivation, and vermicompost development are incorporated into the program. These businesses not only offer robust economic opportunities but also promote environmental conservation, food security, and sustainable resource management, creating a holistic approach to livelihood development and community well-being.

This initiative significantly enhances quality of life by reducing exposure to hazardous mining conditions and offering safer, sustainable alternatives. Overall, MLPC’s support paves the way for more secure and diversified livelihoods, improving the future prospects and well-being of miners and their families. By promoting green entrepreneurship, MLPC helps build a resilient and sustainable community, contributing to broader efforts of climate action and sustainable development.