After media reports of alleged links between cosmetic makeup and illnesses including cancer, discerning consumers have switched to mineral cosmetics in an attempt to find a more natural beauty alternative. Many of these mineral products contain mica, a glittery substance used in blusher, eyeliner, eye shadow, mascara, lipstick and foundation. Today the main source of this material is India, which accounts for 60% of global production and possesses an industry that is estimated to have grown by 8.5% during the last two years. Nonetheless, concerns about the safety of the country's mica supply chains are increasing. According to the Australian newspaper The Age, child labour is endemic in India's mica mining business and 86% of the country's mica exports in 2010-2011 were unregulated.
Article en ligne : www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/india-child-labour-mica-mineral-cosmetics