📈 Sri Lanka Aims to Unlock US$ 2 Bn Mineral Export Potential

• Strategic Pivot: At the Mineral Sands Technical Conference 2026, the Government announced a mission to transform Sri Lanka from a raw material exporter into a regional mineral processing hub. This shift aims to drive economic diversification and generate high-skilled employment. • Resource Scale: Industry data indicates Sri Lanka holds ~604 million tonnes of mineral sands containing ilmenite, rutile, zircon, and monazite (critical for electric vehicles and renewable energy), alongside significant deposits of graphite, quartz, and phosphate. • Export Valuation: The International Trade Centre estimates current export potential at US$ 778 Mn. However, a Pathfinder Foundation report highlights that long-term export earnings could approach US$ 2 Bn if downstream processing and mineral-based manufacturing are successfully developed. • Growth Catalysts: Unlocking this wealth requires a comprehensive islandwide geophysical survey to map underexplored resources. Attracting long-term foreign investment will depend on establishing transparent regulations, policy consistency, and predictable approval pathways.