Chakravorty, S. L. (2001). Artisanal and small-scale mining in India (Mining, Minerals and Sustainable Development Report No. 78). International Institute for Environment and Development.

Abstract

• Provides a comprehensive overview of the status, characteristics, and development challenges of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) in India within the broader context of sustainable mineral development.
• Highlights ASM’s importance as a livelihood source for economically vulnerable and rural communities, generating significant employment despite its relatively small contribution to formal mineral production.
• Identifies key constraints, including informality, outdated technologies, poor productivity, inadequate occupational health and safety, environmental degradation, and limited institutional support.
• Examines policy and regulatory issues, noting the absence of a dedicated framework for promoting responsible ASM development.
• Advocates for formalisation, capacity building, technological upgrading, environmental management, and stakeholder collaboration to transform ASM into a safer, more productive, and socially inclusive sector contributing to sustainable development.

 Lahiri-Dutt, K. (2004a). Informality in Mineral Resource Management in Asia: Raising Questions Relating to Community Economies and Sustainable Development

Abstract

• Examines the widespread informality that characterises mineral resource management across Asia, including India’s ASM sector.
• Argues that informal mining should be recognised as a livelihood strategy rather than viewed solely as an illegal activity.
• Highlights the dependence of poor and marginalised communities on small-scale mining for income and survival.
• Discusses governance failures that exclude artisanal miners from legal access to mineral resources.
• Emphasises the need for inclusive policies that balance environmental protection, economic development, and community rights.
• Recommends participatory governance, formalisation, and livelihood-centred approaches to promote sustainable mineral development.

Chowdhury, A.R. & Lahiri-Dutt, K. (2016) (ASM and informal mining governance in India)

Abstract

• Explores the socio-economic realities of informal mining communities in India’s mineral-rich regions.
• Analyses how weak governance, poverty, and limited livelihood alternatives sustain informal mining activities.
• Demonstrates that criminalising artisanal miners often increases social vulnerability without addressing underlying causes.
• Highlights gender inequalities, insecure working conditions, and limited access to markets and public services.
• Advocates for policies that recognise ASM as an important rural livelihood sector.
• Recommends improved governance, community participation, responsible mining practices, and livelihood diversification to enhance sustainability and reduce poverty.

Mukhopadhyay, S. & Lahiri-Dutt, K. (2014) (ASM, livelihoods and gender in mining communities)

Abstract

• Examines the relationship between artisanal mining, rural livelihoods, and social inequality.
• Highlights the significant contribution of women in mineral extraction, processing, and local mineral economies.
• Identifies unequal wages, insecure employment, and limited recognition of women’s work in ASM.
• Discusses environmental degradation and occupational health risks associated with informal mining.
• Argues that mining policies often overlook the livelihood needs of vulnerable mining communities.
• Recommends gender-responsive policies, social protection, skills development, and community-centred approaches to support sustainable ASM development.

Lahiri-Dutt, K. & Roy Chowdhury, A. (2018). In the Realm of the Diamond King: Myth, Magic, and Modernity in the Diamond Tracts of Central India

Abstract

• Investigates the historical, cultural, and economic dimensions of artisanal diamond mining in central India.
• Explores how myths, local traditions, and informal institutions shape mining practices and community identities.
• Examines the interaction between artisanal miners, state institutions, and commercial mining interests.
• Highlights persistent poverty, insecure livelihoods, and unequal distribution of mining benefits.
• Demonstrates that informal diamond mining is deeply embedded within local social and economic systems.
• Concludes that inclusive governance, recognition of customary practices, and equitable benefit-sharing are essential for achieving socially responsible and sustainable mineral development.

Samal, K. C., & Mishra, S. (1998). Migrant workers in a coal mine region of Orissa. Indian Journal of Labour Economics, 41(4), 745–754.

Abstract

• Examines labour migration patterns in the coal mining belt of Odisha (formerly Orissa) and their implications for rural livelihoods.
• Analyses the socio-economic characteristics of migrant workers employed in coal mining.
• Highlights that poverty, landlessness, agricultural distress, and lack of local employment drive migration into mining.
• Documents poor working conditions, employment insecurity, inadequate housing, and limited social protection for migrant workers.
• Discusses occupational health risks and weak labour rights within informal mining activities.
• Recommends stronger labour welfare policies, social security, improved working conditions, and diversified rural livelihood opportunities to reduce distress-driven migration.

Tata Energy Research Institute. (2001). Overview of Mining and Mineral Industry in India. Mining, Minerals and Sustainable Development (MMSD). London: International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED).

Abstract

• Provides a comprehensive assessment of India’s mining and mineral sector within the Mining, Minerals and Sustainable Development (MMSD) initiative.
• Reviews mineral resources, production trends, institutional arrangements, and regulatory frameworks.
• Identifies environmental degradation, displacement, occupational safety concerns, and weak community participation as major sustainability challenges.
• Discusses the economic contribution of mining while highlighting governance gaps affecting local communities.
• Recognises the importance of improving environmental management and stakeholder engagement.
• Recommends sustainable mining practices, stronger regulatory institutions, responsible corporate governance, and greater integration of environmental, social, and economic objectives into mineral development.

World Bank. (2011). Poverty headcount ratio at national poverty lines (% of population)—India. World Development Indicators. Washington, DC: World Bank.

Abstract

• Presents national poverty estimates for India using official poverty line methodologies.
• Demonstrates significant regional disparities in poverty incidence across rural and urban areas.
• Highlights the close relationship between poverty, livelihood insecurity, and dependence on natural resources.
• Provides evidence supporting targeted development interventions in economically vulnerable regions.
• Serves as an important reference for analysing livelihood dependence in sectors such as artisanal and small-scale mining.
• Supports policy formulation by monitoring poverty trends and evaluating development outcomes, while informing programmes aimed at inclusive growth, employment generation, and poverty reduction.

Chowdhury, A. R., & Lahiri-Dutt, K. (2016). The geophagous peasants of Kalahandi: De-peasantisation and artisanal mining of coloured gemstones in India. The Extractive Industries and Society, 3(3), 703–714.

Abstract

• Examines the transition of rural households in Kalahandi, Odisha, from subsistence agriculture to artisanal coloured gemstone mining.
• Explores how agrarian distress, declining agricultural productivity, and limited employment opportunities contribute to de-peasantisation.
• Demonstrates that gemstone mining has become an important survival strategy for economically marginalised communities.
• Highlights insecure livelihoods, informal labour arrangements, environmental degradation, and limited state support.
• Emphasises the resilience and adaptive strategies of mining households despite persistent economic uncertainty.
• Calls for integrated rural development, formalisation of ASM, improved livelihood security, and inclusive mining policies that recognise community realities.

Chowdhury, A. R., & Lahiri-Dutt, K. (2018). Agrarian distress and gemstone mining in India: The political economy of survival. In [Book title required] (pp. 89–116). Publisher required.

Abstract

• Investigates how prolonged agrarian distress has encouraged rural households to depend on artisanal gemstone mining as a livelihood strategy.
• Analyses the political economy linking poverty, land degradation, unemployment, and informal mineral extraction.
• Demonstrates that gemstone mining functions primarily as a coping mechanism rather than an economically attractive occupation.
• Highlights insecure employment, exploitative market structures, environmental degradation, and weak institutional support.
• Examines unequal power relations between miners, traders, and regulatory authorities.
• Recommends livelihood diversification, inclusive governance, formalisation, social protection, and community-centred policies to improve resilience and promote sustainable artisanal mining.

Rajan, K., & Athiyaman, N. (2004). Traditional gemstone cutting technology of Kongu region in Tamil Nadu. Indian Journal of History of Science, 39(4), 385–414.

Abstract

• Examines the evolution of traditional gemstone cutting and bead-making technology in the Kongu region of Tamil Nadu, linking contemporary practices with archaeological and historical evidence.
• Demonstrates the continuity of indigenous gemstone craftsmanship from ancient times to the present.
• Describes the sequential processes involved in gemstone processing, including cutting, shaping, polishing, drilling, and finishing.
• Highlights the specialised skills, tools, and technical knowledge possessed by traditional artisans.
• Analyses the socio-economic conditions of gemstone workers, including dependence on hereditary occupations and small-scale production systems.
• Emphasises the cultural and technological significance of indigenous lapidary traditions.
• Recommends preserving traditional knowledge through documentation, skill development, technological upgrading, and market support to sustain artisanal gemstone industries and rural livelihoods.

Lahiri-Dutt, K., & Roy Chowdhury, A. (2018). In the realm of the diamond king: Myth, magic, and modernity in the diamond tracts of Central India. Annals of the American Association of Geographers, 108(6), 1620–1634.

Abstract

• Explores artisanal diamond mining among the indigenous Gond communities in Panna, Madhya Pradesh.
• Examines how myths, cultural beliefs, local geography, and history shape miners’ perceptions and practices.
• Demonstrates that artisanal mining is embedded within social relationships rather than purely economic motivations.
• Highlights informal mining practices operating outside state regulation and formal markets.
• Shows that luck, masculinity, identity, and community traditions strongly influence miners’ decisions.
• Uses ethnographic fieldwork to illustrate how mining sustains cultural identities despite persistent poverty.
• Concludes that responsible ASM policies must recognise indigenous knowledge, cultural contexts, and informal institutions alongside economic development.

Agrawal, P., Devgun, R., & Bhatnagar, J. S. (2018). A study on problems faced by exporters of gems and jewellery industry. International Journal of Research in Economics and Social Sciences (IJRESS).

Abstract

• Reviews the performance of India’s gems and jewellery export industry.
• Highlights the sector’s major contribution to India’s merchandise exports and employment generation.
• Identifies declining exports due to rising raw material costs, reduced global demand, and market slowdown.
• Examines challenges including international competition, fluctuating exchange rates, taxation, and compliance requirements.
• Discusses constraints related to technology adoption, skilled labour, and supply chain management.
• Suggests export promotion measures, policy support, market diversification, technological upgrading, and improved infrastructure.
• Concludes that strengthening competitiveness is essential for sustaining India’s global leadership in gems and jewellery exports.

Chowdhury, A. R., & Lahiri-Dutt, K. (2016). The geophagous peasants of Kalahandi: De-peasantisation and artisanal mining of coloured gemstones in India. The Extractive Industries and Society, 3(3), 703–715. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exis.2016.04.002

Abstract

• Investigates artisanal coloured gemstone mining in Kalahandi, Odisha, through a political economy perspective.
• Demonstrates how agrarian distress, recurrent droughts, and declining agricultural livelihoods have accelerated de-peasantisation.
• Shows that indigenous Khond communities increasingly depend on gemstone mining for survival.
• Explains how liberalisation of India’s gemstone market increased informal mining activities after the 1990s.
• Highlights exploitation by traders, intermediaries, political elites, and local authorities.
• Reveals that mining provides income but rarely enables long-term economic advancement.
• Recommends inclusive mining governance, livelihood diversification, formalisation, and stronger protection for indigenous mining communities.

Ghorpade, Y. (2017). ‘Girls don’t become craftsmen’: Determinants and experiences of child labour in gemstone polishing in Jaipur. The Journal of Development Studies, 53(4), 592–608.

Abstract

• Examines child labour within Jaipur’s gemstone polishing industry using mixed-methods research.
• Explores how poverty, household income, education, and gender norms shape children’s work decisions.
• Finds that boys receive technical training leading to skilled employment opportunities.
• Shows that girls are largely confined to home-based, low-skilled polishing work with limited future prospects.
• Highlights how work often competes with formal schooling, particularly for boys.
• Demonstrates persistent gender inequalities in access to training and career progression.
• Recommends stronger education policies, child protection measures, gender-sensitive interventions, and livelihood support for vulnerable households.

Lucas, A., Bhatt, N., Singhania, M., Sachdeva, K., Hsu, T., & Padua, P. (2016). Jaipur, India: The global gem and jewelry power of the Pink City. Gems & Gemology, 52(4), 332–367.

Abstract

• Provides a comprehensive assessment of Jaipur’s globally significant gems and jewellery industry.
• Documents gemstone cutting, jewellery manufacturing, wholesale trade, retail, and export activities.
• Highlights Jaipur’s transition from a gemstone cutting centre to an internationally competitive jewellery manufacturing hub.
• Analyses the impact of technological innovation, globalisation, vertical integration, and value-chain upgrading.
• Demonstrates the importance of combining traditional craftsmanship with modern production technologies.
• Discusses evolving international markets and business strategies.
• Concludes that continued innovation, skills development, branding, and responsible sourcing are essential for sustaining Jaipur’s global competitiveness.

Patel, J., & Robbins, M. (2009). The agate industry and silicosis in Khambhat, India. New Solutions: A Journal of Environmental and Occupational Health Policy, 19(1), 117–139.

Abstract

• Examines occupational health hazards associated with agate processing in Khambhat, Gujarat.
• Describes widespread exposure to silica dust during gemstone cutting and polishing.
• Documents high rates of silicosis among workers, family members, and nearby residents.
• Highlights the prevalence of home-based, informal workshops operating without occupational safety standards.
• Explores the absence of social protection, healthcare access, and workers’ compensation for affected families.
• Reviews advocacy efforts aimed at improving workplace safety and public health.
• Recommends stronger occupational health regulations, dust-control technologies, worker awareness, healthcare access, and formalisation of the agate processing industry.

Ghose, M. K. (2008). A perspective on community and state interests in small-scale mining in India including the role of women. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 10(6), 857–869. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-007-9094-1

Abstract

• Examines the relationship between community livelihoods and state regulation in India’s small-scale mining sector.
• Highlights ASM as a vital source of employment and income for poor, tribal, and rural communities.
• Discusses conflicts between government mining policies and the livelihood needs of local populations.
• Emphasises the significant yet under-recognised contribution of women in mineral extraction, processing, and trading.
• Identifies challenges including informality, environmental degradation, unsafe working conditions, and weak institutional support.
• Advocates for participatory governance, gender-inclusive policies, community rights, environmental safeguards, and responsible formalisation to achieve socially equitable and sustainable mineral development.

Lahiri-Dutt, K., & McQuilken, J. (2019). Metallic and non-metallic deposits in India. In D. A. Singer (Ed.), Encyclopedia of the World’s Minerals (or equivalent mineral resource reference work). Springer Natu

Abstract

• Provides a comprehensive overview of India’s metallic and non-metallic mineral resources and their geological distribution.
• Reviews major mineral deposits, including coal, iron ore, bauxite, chromite, manganese, limestone, gemstones, and industrial minerals.
• Discusses the economic importance of mineral resources for national development and industrial growth.
• Highlights the significant contribution of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) to rural livelihoods and local economies.
• Examines governance challenges, including informality, environmental degradation, occupational safety, and weak regulatory compliance.
• Recommends sustainable mineral governance, responsible resource management, technological innovation, and inclusive policies that support environmentally responsible and socially equitable mineral development.