Over 20 global companies to attend Lanka’s first International Mining and Mineral Conference, In...

By Ifham Nizam

More than 20 global mineral companies have evinced an interest in exploring investment opportunities in Sri Lanka through its first-ever International Mining and Mineral Conference, Investor Forum and Exhibition to be held in October.

Environment Minister Nazeer Ahamed yesterday said that the proposed event would serve as a forum for investors in mining.

Ahamed said that the prime objective of the event was to build a global brand value for Sri Lankan mineral industry, on a medium-term perspective by re-positioning Sri Lankan minerals based on their unique value propositions (UVP) and thereby, unlock the enormous investment and economic potential of the country.

The Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB), which comes under the purview of the Ministry of Environment, has identified and mapped out 43 mineral resources in Sri Lanka. Amongst them, Graphite, Heavy Mineral Sand, Limestone, Phosphate, Dimension Stones, Vain Quartz, etc., have been identified as having most intrinsic value with high export potential.

Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB) Chairman Sanjeepan Ravi said that the proposed International Mining and Mineral Conference, Investor Forum and Exhibition would provide an ideal platform for all stakeholders of the current and future Mineral Industry in Sri Lanka.