Sri Lanka Suspends Ilmenite Mining Licenses in Aruwakkalu

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Ministry of Environment has announced the suspension of all license issuances for ilmenite mining in the Aruwakkalu region of Puttalam, citing unresolved environmental concerns and ongoing investigations.

Despite receiving multiple applications in recent months, the ministry confirmed that all requests for mining permits have been rejected. 

Officials stated that no licenses will be granted until a comprehensive environmental assessment is completed.

The decision follows revelations of a large-scale illegal ilmenite mining operation within an archaeologically sensitive zone in Aruwakkalu.

The site, which spans over 4,666 acres, is known to contain evidence from the Miocene epoch (dating back 7 to 26 million years), the prehistoric Paleolithic era (around 200,000 years ago), and the Mesolithic period (between 3,800 and 50,000 years ago).

Authorities have seized a range of machinery used in the illicit operation, which reportedly involved both local and foreign workers. The Ministry of Environment has instructed the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau to investigate the ministry’s accountability in preventing such activities.

Aruwakkalu is considered one of Sri Lanka’s most significant prehistoric landscapes, and the ministry emphasized the need to protect its archaeological and ecological integrity.