Air-Born Magnetic Survey for mineral exploration

Shirley WIJESINGHE

Geological Survey and Mines Bureau will initiate an Air-Born Magnetic Survey (A-BMS) for mineral exploration of the country with the technical assistance of a foreign country, Environment and Natural Resources Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka said.

The main objective of the project is to collect data of the deep-seated economic value minerals and store them under the custody of GSMB for the use of investors and for the benefit of future generations, the Minister added.

He was speaking at a media conference organized by GSMB yesterday.

Minister Ranawaka said the relevant cabinet approval for the project had already been given and no room will be left hereafter to local or foreign researchers to withhold any data from their research.

The data collected through the proposed A-BMS will be issued to the investors for a payment, he said.

The GSMB is yet to sort out a foreign partnership country with the capability to conduct the survey with required light aircraft facilities, Ranawaka said.

He also said the Government will never grant permission to export raw minerals in their pure form. Value addition is a must for exportation, he added.