Chiseling a brighter future for Rajasthan’s cobblestone miners

By Dr. Fitsum S. Weldegiorgis

In the sun-scorched landscapes of Rajasthan, millions of men, women, and even children labor in the shadows of one of the primary drivers of the state's economy—artisanal and small-scale mining and quarrying (ASM). Beneath the surface of this sprawling, mineral-rich desert, these workers chisel away at stones that have paved the streets of megacities from Delhi to London. Rajasthan, known for its vast reserves of marble, limestone, granite, and sandstone, is one of India’s leading mineral producers. While the shimmering cobblestones that emerge from these quarries are in demand worldwide, the hidden cost is borne by those at the bottom of the mining chain.

The reality for the miners who extract these stones is far from the dazzling exports that bolster Rajasthan’s economy. These individuals, part of the large informal ASM sector, work in perilous conditions, often without safety gear, fair wages, or basic rights. The stones they unearth may tell a story of economic success for the state, but for the miners, their hands are worn down by a different kind of struggle—one of survival in the face of exploitation, illness, and hardship.

The untold story: the human cost of cobblestone production

While Rajasthan’s cobblestone mining industry generates over $1 billion annually in exports and provides employment to millions, it comes at a significant human cost. Workers, including an estimated 375,000 children endure extreme temperatures and grueling labor while being exposed to various hazardous materials—all for inadequate pay and without access to basic healthcare or safety equipment.

One of the most devastating consequences of these conditions is the prevalence of silicosis, a deadly lung disease resulting from prolonged exposure to silica dust. In Rajasthan, an estimated 56 percent of mine workers – approximately 800,000 people – are affected by this entirely preventable disease. For many families, the death of a miner leaves behind widows and children trapped in cycles of poverty. As these miners toil to supply the global demand for cobblestones, their health and futures are sacrificed.

Mining Better Together through Delve Exchange and The ASM Academy

Addressing these deeply entrenched issues requires coordinated action from multiple stakeholders, including government, industry, civil society, and the international community. The World Bank has been at the forefront of this effort since the 1980s, providing significant financial support and thought leadership. In September 2024, the Bank launched a bold new approach to unlock the full potential of ASM to drive economic growth, boost development, and reduce poverty in developing countries. It champions the professionalization and social well-being of artisanal and small-scale miners, urging governments to play a leading role in regulating and supporting sustainable ASM practices. Another initiative, the Delve Exchange, provides miners, including silicosis widows from Rajasthan and around the globe, with monthly online forums to share their stories, challenges, and solutions. These forums, facilitated by Regional Knowledge Exchange Coordinators (RKEC) and supported by Delve Exchange Ambassadors, connect miners with a wider network of individuals committed to creating a more sustainable and inclusive ASM sector.

Among these voices is Sameena Yousouf, a Delve Exchange Ambassador. Sameena facilitates connections for marginalized miners and communities near mine sites enabling them to actively participate in Delve Exchange’s online monthly forums. Since losing her husband to COVID-19 in 2021, she has dedicated her time to supporting and empowering silicosis widows, helping hundreds through training, resources, and advocacy. “Delve Exchange has given us a platform that helps us share the story of our invisible struggle to society and the world,” she says.

The ASM Academy, developed by miners and for miners with support from The University of Queensland, is essential in this journey toward change. It offers accessible learning resources designed to promote safer, sustainable mining practices. It also highlights ethical sourcing standards like the Code of Risk Mitigation for Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners Engaging in Formal Trade (CRAFT), ensuring positive change spreads across more commodities in the region.

A sustainable and inclusive future for cobblestone miners

These initiatives are helping to bring visibility to the plight of Rajasthan’s cobblestone miners. By empowering them with knowledge, resources, and platforms to advocate for their rights, significant strides are being made in addressing exploitation, unsafe conditions, and health risks. This is not just about improving individual lives but about transforming an entire industry that has long neglected its most valuable asset—its workers.

The cobblestone industry in Rajasthan has the potential to remain a crucial contributor to the state’s economy, as it has for years while respecting the dignity and safety of its workers. With the continued support of platforms like Delve Exchange and The ASM Academy, the future looks brighter for the miners who have been the invisible hands behind the construction of global cities.

It is high time the world listened to these miners’ voices, valued their contributions, and ensured that their working conditions reflect the dignity they deserve. Together, we can transform Rajasthan’s cobblestone industry into one that not only drives economic growth but also helps break the vicious cycles of poverty and injustice. A sustainable and inclusive future is within reach—for the industry, the miners, and their families.

Watch this video for a closer look at the realities faced by Rajasthan's cobblestone miners and the urgent need for change.