Abstract:
1. Introduction
With technological advancements, traditional gem mining methods have
shifted to the mechanized backhoe mining technique, which poses
significant environmental impacts. This study focuses on identifying land
reclamation practices from the perspectives of backhoe operators and
landowners, evaluating expected and successful cultivations on reclaimed
mining lands, and addressing the problems faced by local communities
near mining areas.
2. Research Methodology
The population of the study consisted of the backhoe gem miners in
Rathnapura district, and out of that selected fifteen backhoe operators,
eleven landowners, ten villagers, an active officer of the Rathnapura
National Gem and Jewellery Authority, and two officers of the Agrarian
Service Center in Elapatha was the sample. The snowball sampling
technique was used for data collection. An inductive approach to thematic
analysis was used for data analysis using the qualitative method. Themes
and codes were derived by identifying the repetitions of deep discussions.
3. Findings and Discussion
Land reclamation is essential to reduce the number of abandoned lands.
Some mine-closed lands are still not cultivated due to many reasons. Many
landowners are expected to cultivate cinnamon crops on their lands
because of the flood issue faced by landowners. The observed cultivated
lands also do not have much yield, and all other lands are still recovering
from 5 to 10 years without any usage.
4. Conclusion and Implications
Technical support is needed to check the soil quality of mining lands. Strict
and transparent regulations should be done by responsible authorities.
