Health

Jharkhand: Exposed to plethora of toxins, coal slurry labourers mainly comprise of women, children

Coal slurry segregation is a vital part of coal mining operations and is considered to be an unskilled labour mainly performed by women and children
Jharkhand: Exposed to plethora of toxins, coal slurry labourers comprise of women, children
A cadre of women labourers working in a coal slurry field adjacent to a coal plant in Jharkhand. Minors can also be seen assisting their mothers.Photographs by Surya Sen
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One of the most overlooked aspects of coal mining operations is the segregation of coal slurry from the water mixture. It is common for women and children to engage in this task as a daily wage labourer.

The coal slurry consists of plethora of toxins which can pose serious health problems ranging from respiratory diseases, skin ailments to cancer.

Jharkhand: Exposed to plethora of toxins, coal slurry labourers mainly comprise of women, children
Unaware of the occupational hazards, the children readily volunteer in segregating coal slurry from muck.

To transform coal ash into a slurry, mined coal is separated from non-combustible constituents. The process of transferring the slurry for further treatment is usually not mechanised in Indian mining conditions.

Easy availability of cheap labour keeps the companies from mechanising the procedure.

coal mine
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