The story
The Koderma–Giridih belt once supplied a large share of the world's sheet mica, used for electrical insulation. After formal mining declined, much mica collection shifted to scrap picking, raising child-labour concerns. Processing units now grade and export mica flakes and powder for paints, cosmetics and electrical uses.
In numbers
The district profile lists mica as the district's major exportable item and mica-based units as a potential industry.
Brief Industrial Profile of Koderma District, MSME-DI Ranchi, Ministry of MSME · 2012
Ways in for a newcomer
- Mica paper and insulation products for electrical makers
- Processing and grading of mica flakes for paint and cosmetic buyers with child-labour-free sourcing
- Traceability and compliance services for exporters
Problems the cluster faces
- Child labour in informal mica picking
- Unclear mining legality and licences
- Demand loss to synthetic substitutes