Southern sea explored for minerals

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The Petroleum Resources Development Bureau states that exploration for

mineral resources was conducted in the Southern coastal line 

following the successful mineral exploration in Mannar basin 

recently. Director of the Bureau, Vajira Dasanayake stressed the exploration was conducted at a linear distance of 600 Km² in the Southern sea. He noted the data obtained from the exploration is now under analysis. According to Dasanayake, tenders have been called to begin excavations in the M-02 sector of the Mannar basin which is identified to contain natural gas. He said nine companies have so far obtained applications for tenders and accepting of tender is to conclude on the 7th of May.