Moves to develop massive Quartz deposit in Monaragala

A series of immediate steps to secure and integrate a vast quartz deposit in Kotikambokka, Monaragala district, into the national economy is underway, following a field visit to the area, Industry Minister Sunil Handuneththi said.

Preliminary scientific assessments estimate the deposit at approximately 3.1 billion metric tons, spanning an area of about 700 meters. The Kotikambokka quartz deposit is considered one of Sri Lanka’s most significant untapped mineral resources, the minister said.

He stressed on the importance of protecting the deposit from unregulated exploitation, stating that national resources must be preserved and utilized within a systematic production framework.

Key decisions taken during the field visit include:

• Security Measures: A formal mechanism will be implemented immediately to prevent unauthorized or illegal mining.
• Boundary Demarcation: The Forest Conservation Department will define the boundaries of the deposit and submit a detailed report to the Divisional Secretary, including any operational obstacles.
• Reserve Recalculation: Authorities will reassess the size of the deposit using updated scientific techniques to obtain more accurate figures.
• Regulated Mining: Once environmental and legal constraints are addressed, the government will call for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) to initiate systematic and transparent mining operations.

The inspection and subsequent discussions involved key officials, including Monaragala District MP Chathuri Gangani, National Gem and Jewellery Authority Chairman Dr. S. P. Chaminda, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Industries Mahesh Abeysekera, Geological Survey and Mines Bureau Chairman J. M. S. N. Jayasinghe, and Professor G. W. A. Rohan Fernando, Chairman of the Gem and Jewellery Research and Training Institute. (Newswire)

The post Moves to develop massive Quartz deposit in Monaragala appeared first on Newswire.