News
Minister wants to end mineral exploration licence racket
By Aruna Bogahawatte
Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweera has instructed the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB) to find details of persons who do not explore mineral resources after obtaining licences for the purpose and to cancel those licences with immediate effect.
Under the Mines and Minerals Act No. 33 of 1992, the GSMB issues three types of licences for exploration, mining, trading and transport of minerals. Many businessmen had obtained exploration licences for expensive minerals such as graphite, Ilmenite, rutile, zircon and garnet and thereafter allowed others to use those licences for a fee running to millions of rupees, Minister Amaraweera said.
He said that as per the existing law it was illegal to transfer the exploration licences.
The licences for the exploration of expensive mineral had been given for a mere pittance of Rs 5,000 a square kilometre, the Minister said. “We have information that some businessmen who possess exploration licences have conducted negotiations with foreign companies. I have instructed the GSMB to cancel their licences.”
