How millions are trapped in modern-day slavery at sandstone quarries in India
Business Insider
February 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Millions of sandstone quarry workers in India face a harrowing cycle of exploitation and poor health conditions, leaving them trapped in modern-day slavery. The toxic dust they inhale while working causes silicosis, a terminal lung disease that leaves them unable to work and forces them into debt bondage. To afford life-saving treatment, workers often take out loans they cannot repay, further entrenching their financial struggles. This systemic issue has devastating consequences, leaving entire villages of widows who continue to labor in the quarries despite losing loved ones.
The sandstone quarries operate with little regard for worker safety or health standards, exposing employees to hazardous dust without proper protective equipment. Silicosis, caused by inhaling silica particles from the stone, leads to severe respiratory issues and eventual death. With no cure available, workers are left with no choice but to borrow money for treatment, often from employers or lenders who charge exorbitant interest rates. This cycle of debt traps entire families, as sons and husbands take over the loans after fathers and brothers succumb to the disease.
From a business perspective, this crisis highlights the ethical dilemmas surrounding labor practices in industries reliant on cheap, unregulated labor. The quarries generate significant profits for owners and companies that use their sandstone products, yet workers receive minimal compensation and no healthcare benefits. This exploitation not only perpetuates human rights violations but also raises questions about corporate accountability and the need for stricter regulations to protect vulnerable workers.
The situation in India’s sandstone quarries underscores the urgent need for systemic change. Improved safety standards, access
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Originally published on Business Insider on 2/14/2026