GSMB nets Rs.2,028 revenue through issuing 777,000 licenses: Env. Ministry

The Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB) had issued 777,000 licenses for sand, gravel, soil transportation and the issuing of such licenses will exceed one million by the end of this year, the Environment Ministry said.

Accordingly, the GSMB has netted Rs. 2028.33 million from the above activities, which is an increase of 74% than the previous year, the ministry said.

This revenue was earned through issuing of mining and transport permits and licenses for the export of mineral resources as well as geological surveys carried out by various external agencies, especially for sand, rubble, gravel, and soil. 

So far, the GSMB has issued 12 exploration licenses, 1,856 industrial licenses, 281 trade licenses, 777,000 transport licenses, and 374 export licenses during the past nine months.

Environment Minister, Mahinda Amaraweera instructed the GSMB to issue licenses and explore other sources of revenue. 

It was already proposed to kick off several value added manufacturing industries in particular. 

Meanwhile, preliminary steps have been taken to produce calcium carbonate from the Kaltota calcite and other value added products from the rare and valuable mineral resource of Kotigambokka Quartz deposits in Wellawaya. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)