Backhoe use in gem mining banned

Disna MUDALIGE

The use of backhoe machines in gem mining has been banned with immediate effect, Environment Ministry Secretary Dr R H S Samaratunga told the Daily News yesterday.

He said that this decision was taken considering the damage caused to the environment.

Samaratunga said directions in this regard were given to the National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA). Environment Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa arrived at this decision considering the request made by the Ratnapura District Coordinating Committee. The Secretary said that the use of backhoe machines and suction machines was reported to have caused greater environmental harm, specially in places such as Paradise Estate.