National Gem & Jewellery Authority Towards Green & Ethical Gem Mining and Processing……………..
Sri Lanka has long been renowned for its natural gem stones. Investigations made by experts have revealed that there are gem deposits almost in every part of the country except in the northern part of the country. The gem deposits so far identified are of two types as primary deposits and secondary deposits. In the primary deposits the gems are originated in the parent rock and are remained as deposits undisturbed; whereas the secondary deposits are the results of changes brought about by natural factors like rain, earth slips and floods.
Both traditional gem mining and mechanical gem mining are the methods been used in the process of gem extraction in the country. Traditional mining is more environmental friendly and is economically viable compared to the mechanical gem mining process whereas the mechanical gem mining process could give rise to more environmental issues. Therefore the scientific and systematic application of mechanical mining should be introduced and be consulted throughout the industrial process.
The gem industry which is one of the oldest traditional industries in Sri Lanka has a history that goes back to thousands of years. It is noteworthy that the gem industry is capable of generating direct and indirect job opportunities and it has become the livelihood of many people in places like Rathnapura, Elahera and Moneragala.
Environmental issues related to gem industry are mainly soil erosion and sedimentation, destruction of river banks, ground water depletion and pollution of surface water bodies, causing damage to the public and the private property…etc. In order to minimize the damage and risk that can be resulted due to the environmental issues, the technical consultancy and supervision are provided by the technical staff comprised of senior mining engineer, assistant mining engineer, geologist, sociologist and environmental officer, assigned to the duties of Land & Development division.
Technical functions related to the Land & Development division
Identifying and releasing gem bearing lands for auctions
Conducting environmental friendly gem mining projects under the supervision of NGJA
Rehabilitation of gem mining lands and reconstruction of river banks (backfilling of mined sites and tree planting campaigns at backfilled sites, constructing river embankments)
Regular field inspections at gem mining lands
Technical consultancy on sustainable mining
Ground water studies
Applying new technology to the mining industry
Studies on mining impact (social, environmental, geological)
Mine safety(ventilation, collapsing of walls, Personal protective measures)
Geological studies
Gem deposit surveys/investigations
Preparation of Environmental Impact Assessments / Initial Environmental examination Reports for gem mining projects at sensitive locations complied with CEA
Conducting special gem extraction projects in special locations such as lakes, rivers, reservoirs etc
Liaise with Central Environmental Authority, Wild Life Department, Forest Conservation Department, Irrigation Department, Mahaweli Authority, Electricity Board, Provincial Councils, Land Reform Commission, Plantation Companies, Divisional Secretariats and other relevant organizations and getting consents to develop industry
Conducting technical development programmes for local and foreign miners
Awareness programmes and workshops for stakeholders in the gem industry
Supporting to relieve the victims / suffered people due to impact by gem mining process
Participation for national and regional level exhibitions on gem mining industry
Consultancy on Environmental friendly gem mining
Environmental friendly techniques in gem mining & processing can contribute towards the increased national revenue of the country minimizing the environmental damages and risk that can arise throughout the process
Traditional gem mining techniques combined with new technology facilitates gem mining closer to territory road
Mechanized gem mining
Rehabilitation of mined sites and reconstruction of damaged river banks
Awareness programmes and workshops for stakeholders in the gem industry
Awareness Programmes and Tree planting campaigns organized
Regular field inspections and Field inspections on public complains and providing technical consultancy on environmental and mining issues
Recommendations on compensation of the damages to the property caused by mining
Advantages of environment friendly gem mining
Mining and processing of gems can contribute towards the national revenue of the country
The rehabilitated land can be used for other purpose such as constructions, cultivations…etc.
Generating direct and indirect job opportunities through the gem industry
Ability to enhance the efficiency of irrigation system through the control of sedimentation
The crisis of power generation against the siltation in reservoirs can be minimized through the control of sedimentation
Ability to control floods through the control of sedimentation in rivers, streams and canals
Current events
Investigations of Kuruwita-Paradise Land mining area relevant to the public complains
River bank rehabilitation project
Investigations on public complains related to ground water depletion and structural damages in the area of Rathnapura
Gem deposit survey at Kumarawatte Estate, Kumbukkana division of Moneragala
Consultancy on mechanized mining all over the gem mining areas
Sri Lankan law requires that:
All gem dealers carry a valid license issued by the National Gem & Jewellery Authority of Sri Lanka.
They should give a correct description of the variety and weight of gems sold.
Jewellery dealers should give the correct karatage as well as a description and weight of the gems used.
