Gem Mining in srilanka
Gem mining in Sri Lanka plays a vital role in uncovering the island’s world-famous gems, including the highly prized Sri Lankan sapphire. Traditionally, miners dig pits down to the gem-bearing gravel layer known as “illam.” Depending on groundwater levels and soil type, different drainage and structural methods are used to keep the pits secure.
Gem mining in Sri Lanka is an ancient craft passed down through generations — an art that blends traditional knowledge with modern techniques. As the homeland of Ceylon sapphire, Sri Lanka has shaped a rich gemological heritage stretching from ancient kingdoms to advanced mining operations today.
Here’s a closer look at one of the most historically important mining methods:
Open pit mining
History:
Open-pit mining gained prominence during the colonial era, when British influences brought more organized excavation systems into Sri Lanka. These methods helped uncover extensive deposits in regions like Ratnapura — the “City of Gems.”
Method:
Miners remove large areas of soil and rock to expose the gem-bearing gravel underneath. Using manual labor and basic tools, they recover valuable stones such as Ceylon blue sapphire, pink sapphire, and other gemstones that Sri Lanka is known for worldwide. This mining technique remains active in some regions today due to its simplicity and effectiveness.
