How Ceylon Gems Are Mined: Inside a Traditional Pit

For centuries, the gem miners of Ratnapura have followed the illam — the gem-bearing gravel layer.

The pit

Narrow shafts are dug by hand and shored with timber.

Washing the gravel

The gravel is washed in cane baskets, the miners catching the glint of a rough sapphire.

A living heritage

Much of this work remains small-scale and community-based.