Labour Engagement Trends in Mining and Quarrying

Abstract

Mining and quarrying have historically played a pivotal role in shaping the economic and social landscape of both industrialized and developing nations. In India, the sector has long been recognized as a critical source of employment, especially in remote and rural regions where alternative livelihood options remain limited. The mining industry does not merely contribute to the extraction of natural resources; it is a dynamic labour-intensive sector that supports millions through both direct and indirect employment opportunities. From large-scale mechanized operations in coal, iron ore, and bauxite mines to informal and decentralized activities such as stone quarrying and small-scale mineral extraction, the scope of employment generated by this sector is extensive and multifaceted. In rural areas, particularly in mineral-rich belts of central and western India, quarrying activities offer seasonal but significant sources of livelihood to marginal populations, including landless labourers, tribal communities, and migrant workers. This makes the mining and quarrying sector not only an economic engine but also a vital socio-economic support system for vulnerable sections of society.