By Ifham Nizam

The Balangoda calcite deposit is the best in the world, says Prof. H. M. G. A. Pitawala, Director of Post Graduate Institute of Science, University of Peradeniya.

Prof. Pitawala’s revelation prompted the Environment Ministry to explore the possibility of producing calcium carbonate as a value addition product using the 2,000 tonnes of waste calcite already excavated at the Balangoda Calcite deposit. In this regard, a discussion was chaired by Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweera.

Officials of the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau, Central Environmental Authority, University of Peradeniya as well as the Ministry of Environment also participated.

Minor excavations at the Balangoda Calcite Deposit are being carried out by various individuals in an informal manner. Therefore, it was emphasised that to properly utilise the calcite deposit, a value added product of calcium carbonate should be produced that can be used in a number of industrial products.

Calcium carbonate was widely used in the manufacture of medicinal pills. It was also used in the building industry including paints, and in the production of animal feed, the Ministry’s research division said.

Plans are underway to set up a factory to manufacture calcium carbonate using this calcite deposit as a joint venture between the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau, a state-owned Technical Services Company and the University of Peradeniya. Accordingly, the Minister instructed to expedite the signing of the relevant Memorandum of Understanding.

Prof. Pitawala told officials that it was unfortunate for the nation not to make the best use of the rare natural resource.

He said that no other country in the world had a calcite deposit comparable to the quality of the local deposit. In other countries, calcite deposits were associated with dolomite. Therefore, great effort had to be made to separate the two.

However, dolomite separation is not required as the Balangoda calcite deposit contained only calcite. Therefore, a high-tech process is not required and the professor requested that maximum use be made of the resource now, according to Prof. Pitiwala.

Minister Amaraweera inquired from officials what purpose the calcite in the Balangoda deposit was currently being used for.

They said the calcium carbonate in the world-famous calcite deposit was currently used only in animal feed.

Speaking at the event, Minister Amaraweera said that Sri Lanka had become a mendicant nation in spite of its resources as it did not make the best use of them.