How are gemstones traditionally mined in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka is famous for its traditional, relatively eco-friendly mining methods, most commonly known as pit mining or Pathal.
- Miners dig a deep, vertical shaft into the ground.
- The walls are reinforced with timber and fern logs to prevent collapsing.
- Once they reach the gem-bearing gravel layer (known locally as Illam), the mud is brought to the surface.
- The gravel is carefully washed in conical wicker baskets in nearby streams to wash away the mud, leaving the heavier gemstones behind.