Focus on mining and minerals in Sri Lanka’s Kahatagaha and Eppawala mineral-rich lands
The Morning: The progress of exploration activities for identifying mineral-rich lands in Kahatagaha and Eppawala came into focus during a discussion held recently at the Presidential Secretariat, under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, according to a statement released by the President’s Media Division (PMD).
Accordingly, the meeting was held to review the progress on the exploration activities, discuss opportunities to attract investment, and ensure that reports on mineral reserves and exploration issued by the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau are prepared in accordance with international standards.
The statement further added that discussions were also held on bringing all tourist hotels and accommodation providers under the relevant legal framework by requiring them to register with the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, with the aim of formalising the country’s tourism industry, the PMD added.
Special attention was also given to introducing the necessary laws and regulations to govern businesses operated by foreign nationals in Sri Lanka in violation of the prescribed legal procedures.
Measures to improve domestic air travel to destinations such as Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Sigiriya, and Jaffna were discussed, along with plans to increase the number of international airlines operating to Sri Lanka from 10 new airlines launched this year to 50.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka’s mineral and mining industry is emerging as a potential investment frontier for foreign businesses/investors, with business/investment opportunities spanning mineral exploration, extraction, processing, manufacturing and exports as the Sri Lankan Government seeks to unlock the commercial value of the country’s natural resources. The renewed focus on identifying mineral-rich areas, including Kahatagaha and Eppawala, is expected to create opportunities for foreign businesses/investors with expertise in geological exploration, mining technology and downstream manufacturing. Sri Lanka possesses commercially valuable deposits of graphite, phosphate, mineral sands, quartz and other industrial minerals, offering potential for export-oriented industries supplying international markets. Graphite represents a significant opportunity, particularly in advanced carbon products, battery-related applications and graphene technology. The proposed public-private partnership (PPP) approach to developing the Kahatagaha graphite mine could attract businesses/investors with the technology and expertise required to expand production and value addition. Similarly, Eppawala’s phosphate deposits offer opportunities for manufacturing value-added fertilisers and phosphate-based industrial products. Investment in mineral sands, including ilmenite, rutile and zircon, could also support the production of titanium-based materials, while high-purity quartz offers potential in specialised glass and electronics manufacturing. The Sri Lankan Government’s focus on improving geological assessments and ensuring that mineral reserve reports meet international standards could help strengthen investor confidence and facilitate the development of commercially viable projects.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20261106Z_1 |