Abstract:
Among the industrial minerals found in Sri Lanka Calcium and
Magnesium Carbonate bearing minerals and rocks play a major role in local
industry. Crystalline Dolomite and Calcite found in metamorphic terrains are used
in ceramic industry, fertilizer industry and in local lime manufacturing plants.
Major Calcite and Dolomite occurrences in the metamorphic Precambrian basement
are found in Digana, Kekirawa, Polonnaruwa, Balangoda, Baddulla, and
Okkampitiya. Studies carried out in the area around Balangoda showed the calcite
and dolomite occurrences are located in the area of Illukpellessa, Rajawaka and
Molamure. Legal and illegal small scale mining has been carried out in the area
during last few decades. Studies also showed most of the mining is carried out
haphazardly. No proper mining methods have been used for maximum utilization
of the deposits. Furthermore, long term mining has not uplifted the socio-economic
conditions of the people of the area and proper environmental protection methods
have also not been used. Systematic mapping of the deposits, educating miners on
proper mining methods, safety precautions and value of environment protection
could lead for better utilization of the deposits. Proper financial guidance through
possible co-operate system to obtain financial assistance for mining, transporting
materials and finding systematic market for continuous material supply could also
uplift the socio-economiccondition of the community.
