contrast, social and environmental arenas receive less focus due to the need for sustained planning, long-term commitment and investment. CSR Efforts Additionally, the Companies Act, 2013 mandates companies with net profits of INR 5 crore ($527,000) or more to contribute 2% of their net profits to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Among the largest mining companies in India, TATA Steel and Vedanta allocate the highest share of their revenue to CSR projects, far beyond the required legislative mandate (CSR Box, 2024). However, during field visits to mining regions where both companies operate, community members have raised concerns about a limited focus on skills training and local employment. CSR activities have often been carried out in an ad hoc manner, without a baseline assessment of priority development areas. Both DMF and CSR activities need to complement each other to support more structured community development. Community Co-Ownership Forest-dependent communities are among the most vulnerable to displacement from mining and development projects. Schedule 5 of the Indian Constitution places restrictions on the use of tribal land. It imposes a responsibility on the state to govern these regions in the best interests of the tribal community. However, mining activities are permitted in these regions, provided they comply with the state's regulations. Large-scale mining projects involve large companies and have high economic value; local communities are not in a position to benefit from their development. Even when locals are employed, the closure of a mine leads to a sudden influx of unemployed workers into the local labour market, further depressing the rates, prompting many to migrate to other states or commute to nearby towns for work (Mishra, 2018). Ownership models where communities are part of decision-making processes and can benefit from mineral production in the region. Similar models have been adopted under the Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) initiative in Canada. Pillar 4: Health and Safety Combating Silicosis Worker safety and community health require significant attention from companies and the government in mining-affected regions. In FY 2023-24, Mining contributed 3.4% to Rajasthan's gross state domestic product, and minor minerals accounted for a significant share of this contribution (Government of Rajasthan, 2024). The minor minerals sector is largely unregulated, leading to underreporting of mineral production, unsafe working conditions, and mining accidents affecting nearby communities. During sandstone mining, inhalation of silica dust can cause silicosis, leading to severe respiratory illnesses and, in some cases, death. (Sharma, 2023). The prevalence rate of silicosis amongst stone mine workers is as high as 79%. Rajasthan has recorded the highest number of silicosis patients in the country (Rupani, 2023). The Rajasthan government introduced the Pneumoconiosis policy in 2019 to address increasing cases of 152
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