Joint initiative to expedite exploration of locations of high value mineral resources in Sri Lanka

Mahinda Amaraweera, Minister of Environment has instructed to expedite the ongoing exploration activities to identify places of valuable mineral resources   in Sri Lanka.

 

The Minister gave these instructions during a discussion with officials of the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau and the Sri Lanka Mineral Sands Company.

 

The Minister stressed that although the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau has obtained exploration permits for certain individuals and companies, the exploration activities are not being carried out properly and efficiently.

 

“It has been about 10 years since some companies and individuals obtained exploration licenses. But they do not do proper and efficient explorations. Therefore, the country loses a large amount of foreign exchange available to the country. We know that it was difficult for the government to find $ 08 million to buy gas from a gas ship that came to our country recently. However, the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau and the Ceylon Mineral Sands Company have not been able to reap the benefits of a large number of valuable mineral resources. If you can’t make even a small amount of money, at least $ 08- $ 10 million, there is a big problem.”

 

The Minister further stated that this exploration should be carried out efficiently and extensively in collaboration with the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau and the Ceylon Mineral Sands Company. The Minister said that places with valuable mineral resources should be identified and mapped and no settlements or other buildings should be constructed in such places.

 

“There are a large number of places with valuable land resources. But they cannot be used properly. The reason is that the people have been resettled in those places without looking into the mineral resources. Now the people living there cannot be evicted. Nor can they take advantage of the precious geological resources in those places. Also, large buildings have been erected in some places. It would be good if environmental assessment reports also focus on the valuable mineral resources in the interior of this earth. Today our country has become a begging country due to these informal actions.”

 

Therefore, land exploration should be expedited and the two agencies should work together, he said. The Minister instructed that once the locations of valuable lands are identified, they should be mapped and reserved and no settlement or illegal occupation should be allowed in those areas.

 

Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Environment and a group of officials were present at this occasion.