How People Risk Their Lives Hunting For Gems, Pearls, and Gold | Risky Business | Insider News

This paragraph describes the grueling work involved in mining for precious stones. In Afghanistan, miners risk life and limb, using dynamite to extract emeralds and tourmaline, while in Sri Lanka, workers crawl through tunnels with poor air quality in search of gems. The narrative then shifts to Pakistan, where individuals like Samuel sift through sewer waste to find discarded gold scraps, which are then cleaned and sold to artisans for jewelry making. The popularity of gold jewelry in Pakistan is highlighted, along with the economic disparities evident in the workers' earnings.

The paragraph focuses on the gem mining industry in Sri Lanka, which is home to around 6,000 active mines. Miners face dangerous working conditions, including oxygen scarcity and the risk of mine collapses, as seen in the 2015 incident in Ratnapura. The process of mining is described, from the use of logs and local ferns to reinforce pits to the sifting of gravel in nearby streams. The miners' earnings are meager, and when a precious gem is found, it is handed over to mine owners. The environmental impact of mining is also discussed, along with the regulation efforts by the national Gem and Jewelry Authority.

This section delves into the process of cutting and polishing gems in Sri Lanka, a practice that has been refined over centuries. The use of a traditional machine called a hanapuruva is highlighted, along with the valuation of sapphires based on the four C's: color, cut, clarity, and carat. The narrative also touches on the historical significance of gems in Sri Lanka, from adorning ancient royalty to being mentioned by explorer Marco Polo. However, the industry faces challenges due to political and economic crises, affecting miners' livelihoods.

The paragraph introduces an innovative method of extracting gold from electronic waste using microorganisms. The process developed by a company involves grinding circuit boards, treating them with chemicals, and using electricity to separate valuable metals. A unique step involves the use of naturally occurring microorganisms to selectively concentrate precious metals. The company's goal is to make local E-Waste processing profitable and accessible, reducing the environmental impact of mining for precious metals.

This section discusses the dangerous working conditions of artisans in India who produce millions of glass bangles daily. Workers face extreme heat, inhale lung-damaging glass particles, and are exposed to toxic chemicals used in coloring the glass. The process of creating bangles, from melting silica sand to the final decoration, is described, along with the health risks and the industry's impact on the environment, including air pollution contributing to the discoloration of the Taj Mahal.

The paragraph tells the story of Habib and his cousins, who mine for gems in the mountains of Afghanistan using dynamite from past conflicts. Despite the province's history of violence, they continue their work, facing the risk of lung damage from dust and the ever-present threat of the Taliban. The challenges of selling gems due to international trade restrictions and supporting large families on meager earnings are also highlighted.

This section explores the intricate process of cultivating South Sea pearls in Indonesia. The lengthy timeline of creating a single pearl, the careful nurturing of oysters, and the labor-intensive nature of the work are emphasized. The challenges faced by pearl farmers, including the high cost of nuclei and the need for government support, are discussed. The narrative also follows the journey of a high-grade pearl from cultivation to final sale as a piece of jewelry.