Exploring scientific research, emerging insights and interdisciplinary perspectives on sustainability, artisanal and small-scale mining, and responsible practices across the global gem and jewellery industry.
Academic Article · Mine Safety
S.A.A.K. Senevirathne, C.A. Wellappilli, N.B.R. Hashan, K. Pamithan, S.N.C.B. Samarasinghe, G.V.I. Samaradivakara
University of Moratuwa · National Gem and Jewellery Authority, Sri Lanka ·
A field study of ten active open-pit gem mines in Ratnapura District identifying slope-stability risks and proposing benched slope designs, sheet piling and a ‘Divide and Stabilize’ method for safer operations.
Read the publication →7 results
Research Report · Symposium
GTL & Partner ResearchKeynotes, research highlights, panel findings and research priorities from the symposium convened by Gem Trail Lab on 22 September 2026 at TRACE Expert City, Colombo.
Manuel Kreitmeir, Vandana Hettiaratchi · Gem Trail Lab · PDF available
Academic Article · Mine Safety
GTL & Partner ResearchA field study of ten active open-pit gem mines in Ratnapura District identifying slope-stability risks and proposing benched slope designs, sheet piling and a ‘Divide and Stabilize’ method for safer operations.
S.A.A.K. Senevirathne, C.A. Wellappilli, N.B.R. Hashan, K. Pamithan, S.N.C.B. Samarasinghe, G.V.I. Samaradivakara · University of Moratuwa · National Gem and Jewellery Authority, Sri Lanka
Academic Article · Traceability
GTL & Partner ResearchA geochemical study of Green Zircon, Pink Sapphire and gem-bearing ores from ten active open-pit mines in Ratnapura District, exploring scientific markers for gemstone provenance.
J.L.S.G. Weeralal, K.A.D.K. Premarathne, S. Piranavan, S.N.C.B. Samarasinghe, G.V.I. Samaradivakara, H.M.R. Premasiri · University of Moratuwa · National Gem and Jewellery Authority, Sri Lanka
Academic Article · Gemmology
GTL & Partner ResearchA mineralogical and geochemical study of 53 Milky Geuda samples from Kataragama, Ridiyagama and Bakamuna showing how locality influences blue colour development after heat treatment.
T.G Ramesh, R.G.C Jaliya, S. Illangasinhe, P.K.S.S.Alwis · Uva Wellassa University · Gem and Jewellery Research and Training Institute, Hidallana
Academic Article · Gender & Inclusion
External ResearchA longitudinal study of Mererani's tanzanite mining showing women rising from 979 of 4,210 operators in 2018 to 10,290 of 45,385 in 2023, and what is still needed for genuine gender inclusion.
Michael M. Msabi · University of Dodoma · PDF available
Academic Article · Environment
External ResearchA GIS and chi-square based study of open pits, vegetation clearance, earth subsidence and soil changes caused by moonstone mining in Meetiyagoda and Udakerewa, Sri Lanka.
Anuththara, M.S., Uduporuwa, R.J.M. · Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka · PDF available
Academic Article · Traceability
External ResearchA review of analytical methods for tracing gemstones and other raw materials to their origins and supporting transparent supply chains.
Frank Melcher, Valentina Dietrich, Hans-Eike Gäbler · Montanuniversität Leoben; Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR) · PDF available
Collaborations
Exploring high-sensitivity X-ray fluorescence imaging (XFI) to identify unique trace-element signatures in gemstones and scientifically verify their mine of origin. Initial proof-of-concept measurements successfully distinguished gemstones from two different mines in Sri Lanka.
