Find Mining expertise in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka boasts a diverse variety of minerals and mining accounts for approximately 1.5% of GDP (2009). The country’s mineral resources include sapphire, ruby, quartz, graphite, ilmenite and zircon. The mining of mineral sands, phosphate, graphite and salt is mainly carried out by state owned companies, such as Lanka Mineral Sands Corp, with the remaining mineral output being produced by the private sector. The responsibility of the regulation and sustainable management of Sri Lanka’s mining and mineral sector lies with the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau.

Cement, clay and sand are the major focuses of the quarrying industry in Sri Lanka and an increase in demand for industrial projects has surged in recent years. Cement production slowed as companies faced shortages in 2011 and cement was then imported from neighboring countries Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. River sand was also in high demand and faced shortages due to over-exploitation. Foreign investors continue to stake interest in the industry however, and the Sri Lankan government has re-opened a cement plant in Kankesanthurai, located on the northern tip of the country, deemed to have substantial deposits of limestone, in order to meet the growing demand.