Cosmetics industry accused of using child labour
An article in The Sunday Times claims that the popularity of mica in cosmetic products has led to exploitation of underage miners in India.
An article in The Sunday Times claims that the popularity of mica in cosmetic products has led to exploitation of underage miners in India.
Children as young as six were reported to be working in open-cast mines in the jungle of Jharkhand state in the east of the country, 700 miles from New Delhi for sums reaching a maximum of 50 rupees, or 63p, a day.
According to the paper, the mica is then sold by traders to the Far East, the US and Europe making its way into products sold through Asda and Tesco. Both retailers have stressed that child labour is unacceptable and that they will investigate the allegations thoroughly. Merck KGaA, which was accused of using mica mined by children in its gold, bronze and pearl effect pigments, stated that its suppliers were “contractually required” not to employ children but acknowledged the difficulty involved in policing the collection of mica in remote areas, especially ones considered unsafe.
Mica is also used in the production of paints and electronic goods, but campaigners against child labour, such as the child rights group Bachpan Bachao Andolan, believe that cosmetics manufacturers sensitive to consumers’ views will be key to bringing about reform.