Burma, now named Myanmar, has for centuries been considered the world's preeminent source of fine rubies. Today, after nearly three decades of limited gem production, there is a resurgence of mining activity at the famous Mogok Stone Tract. New developments include mechanized government mines and joint-venture mining operations with Myanmar nationals. This article, based on two recent visits to Mogok, briefly reviews the mining history and geology of this extraordinary locality, and describes the current status of mining and the methods used to recover rubies and sapphires in the Mogok area. Limited statistics on gem production are also presented, as is a map of the area showing many of the active mine sites.
Burma, now named Myanmar, has for centuries been considered the world's preeminent source of fine rubies. Today, after nearly three decades of limited gem production, there is a resurgence of mining activity at the famous Mogok Stone Tract. New developments include mechanized government mines and joint-venture mining operations with Myanmar nationals. This article, based on two recent visits to Mogok, briefly reviews the mining history and geology of this extraordinary locality, and describes the current status of mining and the methods used to recover rubies and sapphires in the Mogok area. Limited statistics on gem production are also presented, as is a map of the area showing many of the active mine sites.