Airborne geophysical survey planned for mining industry

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

The Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GS and MB) has planned to introduce an airborne geophysical survey system to the Sri Lankan mining industry.

They believe it will be a great support to find out the hidden valuable mineral resources in Sri Lanka, Environment Minister Anura Priyadharshana Yapa said.

The minister was addressing a special press briefing at the Information Department, yesterday. "We could not undertake this airborne geophysical survey during the past 30 years due to security reasons. The aircraft has to fly at a lower altitude and companies declined to take up the job due to the risk they had to face," the minister explained.

He said the government will have to decide on the funding process after discussions with Geophysical companies and the Finance Ministry.

"Discussions are continuing with funding agencies and we are optimistic the survey can be undertaken by next year."

Geological Survey and Mines Bureau chairman Dr.N.P. Wijayananda said that this survey will cost around 17 million US Dollars. It will depend on optional additions which may be requests by the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau.

"Selecting a suitable company based on government guidelines and Cabinet approval takes time".

"We hope to implement this survey throughout the country after dividing it into six regions.

"We hope to find out, through this system, in depth details about the valuable mineral resources which are still to be discovered.

"Mineral deposits which have been discovered have greatly contributed to the development of local mining industry," he said.

"An Airborne Geophysical Survey is only one tool in mineral exploration. "Geological mapping is another important tool in mineral exploration.

"We are also undertaking geochemical mapping covering the country," Dr.Wijayananda explained.