Mindat.org 4th International Conference - Myanmar
Last Updated: 11th Nov 2016By Jolyon Ralph
This is a LIVE report, keep this page loaded for live updates - new images will appear as they are added.
A little late to start with the live report due to time an internet constraints but 45 adventurous mineral people are about to leave Mandalay this morning to travel to Mogok for the 4th International Mindat.org Conference.
Over the last couple of days we visited Yangon for some touristic activities. Here is the shwedagon pagoda.
Then the night coach to Mandalay
Where we saw the sunset from Mandalay Hill
Now we load up into minivans for the journey to Mogok
Van 3 ready to roll. Katya is in the front seat.
Yesterday we visited the jade market at Mandalay. Miro Ng from Hong Kong examining jade.
Jade.
One of the free gifts for conference participants.
Beer time.
On the road to Mogok
Entry to Mogok region is highly restricted.
Arrived in Mogok our group settles down for first dinner at the Golden Butterfly hotel.
East Mogok
Testing the hammer
Welcome to Rubyland
Don't mess with Peter
Van 3 is the sensible van.
On the way to the first mine.
Alluvial ruby/sapphire mine. Shwepyiaye mine.
Keep your eyes on the ground!
Graphite flakes in marble
Processing plant to grade the gem-bearing gravel.
Some of our finds :) good trip so far!
The view
Gem hunting
Driving through Mogok
View over east Mogok
Spinel mine!
The group at the Welcone to Ruby Land sign
Handful of spinels
One very nice pink spinel shown to us at the mine.
And back to the hotel with an amazing view over Mogok.
And back to the hotel and our glorious view over Mogok.
Mindat conference is now started.. and Germans are already at the bar..
Henrik Friis giving his presentation on Ivigtut.
We are off for a new adventure!
The trip becomes more adventurous!
After a long drive we arrived to Pyang-Gaung Peridot mine
Mining in action
The professional geologist gives a short lecture about gems and minerals found at the mine
And more digging..
Peridot and enstatite found at Pyang-Gaung mine
After spending the whole morning at the mine we visited Bernardmyo cemetery, a burial spot for British soldiers who died during Anglo-Burmese war.
After hard work we were treated with a fantastic barbecue lunch in Panlin village
Everyone in Myanmar is so happy and friendly!
On the way back
Ruby at the gen market
Special guest of the conference Dr. Adolf Peretti talking about mines of Mogok
Every participant got a Map of Mogok from Dr. Peretti as a gift
Dr Peretti showing some hackmannite.
Second presentation of the evening by Kevin Downey was about cave voids
But Pu Tzu was dreaming about spinel
Evgenios Petrides, Adolf Peretti and me with Dr Peretti's new book.
On the way to Topaz mine through rain and mud
"45" minute walk
A lot to see around
Some people were lucky enough to get a lift
Mud, mud, glorious mud..
The view of a spinel mine that we passed on the way
Waking through the jungle
And 2 hours later we arrived at the mine where we had a warm welcome
The mine was very narrow and steep, only the bravest dared to go inside
The view of the mine
Time to go back
After a looooooong journey we are back to the hotel
Some people had to change into basoes - traditional Myanmar men's clothes kindly provided by our van drivers
Special surprise of the afternoon is visit to the cave where 6.3 million ruby crystal was found
Gem panning in the cave
Mogok valley
Conference participants
Lin Yaung mine
Picking up loose gems from waste pile from the mine
As the miners sorted the ruby rock any loose crystals were put into this locked box
We visited the orphanage to leave gifts and donations we brought. The children lined up to wave goodbye to us as we left.
Kadoke Tat Ruby mine
Kicking back on the boat trip
For those who did not want to walk there was a premium taxi service
Mya Theindan Pagoda
Royal Palace in Mandalay
Sunset view from 1.7 km long wooden bridge
It's not over 'till the Mandalay lady sings.
Last sunset in Myanmar before we fly home. What a beautiful country!
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