Mining Seasons
The artisanal diamond mining sector in Kono, Sierra Leone works on a seasonal basis, alongside the dry and rainy seasons: During the dry, or ‘pulling’ season, miners identify an area to mine. Then the miner employs diggers and casual workers to remove the overburden and excavate the land. This period can last between one and two months.
Once the diggers reach the gravel layer, they begin ‘pulling’ the gravel and stockpiling it alongside the mining pits. This period lasts between one and three months. During the rainy, or washing season, diggers begin washing the gravel. This period can last between two and seven months, depending on the mine site's capital and the quantity of diamond-bearing gravel.