BEST PRACTICES IN SMALL SCALE GEMSTONE MINING 3-year research project supported by DFID Knowledge and Research Programme (KaR), R7115 Aim of Presentation To give a brief overview of a recently completed DFID KaR project on small scale gemstone mining in Sri Lanka

Project Purpose To inform and support efforts to improve the livelihoods of small- scale gemstone miners and their families

Project Outputs 2)Suggested ways for improving practice in Sri Lanka, many of which could be transferable to other small scale mining contexts. 3)Contributed to improved understanding of small- scale mining and its relevance for poverty alleviation. 1)Enhanced understanding of the socio- economic and technological conditions of small-scale gemstone mining in Sri Lanka.

Case study on the county’s gem industry providing some recommendations for better practice Conducted practical training on gemstone identification, the factors which influence value, and value-adding techniques Produced practical information as a result of training in English & Sinhala [2003] - this could be easily transferable to other gem mining contexts Methodology Socio-economic study of Sri Lankan miners

Problems Miners Face Lack of knowledge about rarer gems = lost revenue Smuggling and corruption Lack of records on previously mined areas Some of the problems facing small miners include: Lack of access to information and technology for more efficient and safer mining practice Poor working conditions & lack of regulation

The illegal status of miners Socio-economic problems in mining boom areas Gem dealer monopolies & intermediation Lack of clarity on legal rights, and on institutional roles and responsibilities Inability to access financial information (eg.on markets) or credit

Maximising Benefits from Gems Sustainably Recommendations Gem Prospecting and Mining Operational & Regulatory Practices Health & Safety and Environment Finance and Marketing Institutions Training - for a country - for small scale miners Some Challenges!

“...there is considerable demand, especially from the small scale businessmen, for the manual we produced. The miners have not formed a co-operative society [as yet]…but they are of the view that our work helped them to improve solidarity amongst them.” ITDG-South Asia Project Leader 1 Year After the Project

Useful Contact in Sri Lanka ITDG South Asia - based in Sri Lanka ITDG South Asia 5, Lionel Edirisinghe Mawatha Kirulapone, Colombo 05 Sri Lanka Tel: Fax: Website: ITC website: