📈 Sri Lanka to Secure Massive 3.1 Bn Ton Vein Quartz Deposit

The Government has initiated urgent measures to protect and reassess the Kotikambokka vein quartz deposit in Monaragala, identified as one of the largest mineral reserves in the country. • Resource Potential: Preliminary studies estimate the deposit spans 700 metres with a volume of approximately 3.1 billion tons. The Government has ordered a scientific recalculation to confirm quality and commercial viability. • Security & Protection: Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Sunil Handunnetthi, directed the immediate implementation of a protection programme to prevent illegal mining. The Forest Conservation Department will formally demarcate the site boundaries. • Strategic Development: The site is currently not being mined. Future plans include: Resolving legal and environmental hurdles through inter-agency collaboration. Integrating the deposit into the national industrial and mineral development strategy. Calling for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for a transparent, competitive mining process. • Economic Impact: The project aims to leverage high-purity quartz to diversify the economy and enhance national industrial output. Authorities emphasized that formal extraction will only commence following strict environmental safeguards and regulatory compliance. _Note: Resource estimates are based on provisional preliminary data._