Women step into a man’s world Females take to gem mining in search of fortune

Enterprising and adventurous women in who step into the Kalu Ganga have dared to take on a job that is meant for men which is to look for gems

The traditional gem miners are usually men, but it is so much special when women make it their livelihood

These women are full of hope that fortune would tap on their door someday

These hardworking women are at the mercy of gem merchants

 The story of women who shed their honest sweat in the strenuous task of gem mining is the story of what a woman’s patience can endure and what their resolution can achieve. 

The traditional gem miners are usually men, but it is so much special when women make it their livelihood. These women are full of hope that fortune would tap on their door someday. For them elements of nature- whether it is intense heat of the sun or the torrential rain- make no difference. Their minds are hell bent, as if in a trance, and they keep working with the hope of finding a precious stone from the mud which they keep stirring. 

History of gem industry in Sri Lanka runs as far back to the time of ancient kings. Gem deposits found in the country have been divided into two categories; as secondary gem deposits and primary gem deposits. Our research done on secondary gem deposits state that ‘they are formed when gems, initially present in primary deposits, are transported and concentrated by natural processes like erosion and sedimentation, forming alluvial or placer deposits in riverbeds, terraces, or coastal areas. And primary gem deposits are referred to gemstones found in their original, un-eroded location within solid rock formations, as opposed to secondary deposits where gems have been transported by erosion.

 It is an arduous task to hunt for gem deposits buried in the earth. The gem miner is usually a man with a strong body with sinewy hands since there is much uncertainty associated with digging the earth and going to extremes when doing this. 

However these enterprising and adventurous women step into the Kalu Ganga and have dared to undertake a strenuous man’s job which is to look for gems. These women display skills that cannot be matches even by men. 

Ratnapura, Kuruvita, Pelmadulla, Rakwana, Nivithigala , Kalawana , Eheliyagoda, Kiriella, Ayagama and Balangoda, are famous for secondary gem deposits that have been washed away by erosion. Meanwhile primary gem deposits, are found in Opanayaka, Elahera, Bakamuna, Okkampitiya and Mahadola areas. 

Kalu Ganga in Elahera Division in the district of Matale has been rich in primary gem deposits and women are mainly the gem miners in this river. From morning till night they stir the river bed and shake the cane sieves to strain out water and mud in the hope of realizing their dream, which is to find a gem. Their effort is superfluous. However they live a hand to mouth exercising. They have no way of making provisions for the next day.

“Gem merchants help us and pay Rs. 1000 per week. They supplies us with cane sieves and other equipment.  However, any gems, if found, would be purchased by them for a song. They deduct money for sieves and other equipment supplied by them.  It is not an easy task to stir the sieves of mud and water. At dusk we leave for home with backaches and blisters in our palms. It is an ordeal, but we suffer it to maintain our families. Otherwise our children would be staving,” a female gem miner who spoke on conditions of anonymity told this newspaper.

“Blue Sapphires and Sapphires are found in Kalu Ganga at times. Other inferior gems are also found quite often. We have received precious stones valued at more than Rs. 700,000, but we don’t get a share that commensurates with our hard work. We are at the mercy of the gem merchants and even the authorities are pre-engaged servants of their long purse. We are hopeful that we will have the good fortune of a fair share some day or other,” another female gem miners who didn’t wish to reveal her name said.

 When inquired of them about the response of their husbands, they said that many of them drink heavily and create trouble and disturbances in the household. 

However several of these female gem miners are living a well to do life, have built houses and purchased vehicles.
Gem merchants often support the families of these woman in the event of weddings, funerals or any such occasions and it compels the gem miners to sell gems to the gem merchants who are considered as their main benefactors.