The formulation of a practical conservation policy will involve a fuller consideration of human needs also. Conservation plans need to be so developed that they minimize restriction on the people of area.

The Mine Labour Protection Campaign (MLPC) came into being over a decade ago. It works under the aegis of The School of Desert Sciences (SDS) and draw its strength from its networking partner NGO's, CBO's, experts and individuals. For a decade MLPC has been engaged in organizing mineworkers in Rajasthan, who constitute some of the most deprived sections of society.

Rajasthan presents evidence for the existence of one of the most advanced works of ancient mining and accompanied deforestation globally. Mining continues to be an important economic activity in Rajasthan. However, economic benefits of mineral extraction also accompany environmental, economic and social costs.

Hardrock mining - the extraction of minerals such as gold, silver, lead, copper and uranium from the earth is practiced in a manner inherently threatening to human health. Several studies have addressed work-related illnesses suffered by hardrock miners.