At the Zircon mining site I was privileged to be able to spend time with the local miners and to learn about their story. They are a hard working courageous people whose lives have been greatly enhanced by the gems. There is no large corporate control, just small time miners digging and making a living for their families.
Analyzing the rough at the mine.
Preparing to descend!
Really contemplating my fate. To descend or not descend?!!
Checking out the rough that this miner just unearthed 50 feet below
Visiting with our new friends in town
Visiting with the miners after ascending from the mine
A proud miner showing what he found.
Observing a miner as she digs out a tunnel