Mining Madagascar: 20050916_0340b

Men, women and children sift for poorer quality stones in a muddy river. Stones are rarely found in the mine itself but are sifted out in several series of washings. The more abundant mines sift very privately with trusted, guarded employees for fear of theft or even the spread of word that a good gem has been found.

Men, women and children sift for poorer quality stones in a muddy river. Stones are rarely found in the mine itself but are sifted out in several series of washings. The more abundant mines sift very privately with trusted, guarded employees for fear of theft or even the spread of word that a good gem has been found.