The Mine

Where it all begins. The gem fields of Sri Lanka have been producing sapphires for centuries.

Pit mining in the paddy fields of Ratnapura, at a depth of around 10 feet
Pit mining in the paddy fields of Ratnapura, at a depth of around 10 feet
Extracted gem-bearing earth, covered and set aside until an auspicious day is chosen for the washing process
Extracted gem-bearing earth, covered and set aside until an auspicious day is chosen for the washing process
This mine operates on a grid system, ensuring the entire area is methodically worked.
This mine operates on a grid system, ensuring the entire area is methodically worked.
An abandoned pit.
An abandoned pit.
A hillside mine set in a valley, approximately 200 to 300 metres above sea level, with a pit reaching 9 metres (30 feet) in depth.
A hillside mine set in a valley, approximately 200 to 300 metres above sea level, with a pit reaching 9 metres (30 feet) in depth.
Looking straight up from the floor of a 30-foot hillside mine pit
Looking straight up from the floor of a 30-foot hillside mine pit
Looking down into a shallow pit mine, cut into the floor of a rice field.
Looking down into a shallow pit mine, cut into the floor of a rice field.
Ferns sourced from the surrounding land, used to line and stabilise the pit walls.
Ferns sourced from the surrounding land, used to line and stabilise the pit walls.
A cross section of a shallow pit, showing how local ferns are layered against the walls to hold the earth in place.
A cross section of a shallow pit, showing how local ferns are layered against the walls to hold the earth in place.
A deep pit mine in an abandoned rice field
A deep pit mine in an abandoned rice field
PVC piping and a halved soda bottle, fashioned into a makeshift intercom to communicate with miners below.
PVC piping and a halved soda bottle, fashioned into a makeshift intercom to communicate with miners below.
Excavated gem-bearing soil stored in a lockable cage, awaiting an auspicious day to begin the washing process
Excavated gem-bearing soil stored in a lockable cage, awaiting an auspicious day to begin the washing process
A miner looks out over the paddy fields of Ratnapura.
A miner looks out over the paddy fields of Ratnapura.
The washing process, separating gem-bearing earth from the stones within.
The washing process, separating gem-bearing earth from the stones within.
The sealed section is opened after washing, revealing the washed rocks within
The sealed section is opened after washing, revealing the washed rocks within
A tea break at the mine.
A tea break at the mine.
A winding road through the hills, leading to one of the sapphire mines.
A winding road through the hills, leading to one of the sapphire mines.
Miners at the site, taking a moment for the camera.
Miners at the site, taking a moment for the camera.