Offshore sand exploration around Kaluthara-Beruwala area

Abstract

Offshore minerals are used as a raw mineral for various types of industries around the world. The exclusive economic zone belonging to Sri Lanka more than eight times land area of the country, offering huge potential for extraction and exploitation of minerals. Industrial sector, including mining and minerals, should grow to achieve the development of the country. Therefore this study was carried out to investigate the offshore sand mineral potential around Kaluthara — Beruwela area. About 200 samples were collected from sea floor, from a grid of 500m, 1000m Easting and Northing respectively. Investigation was carried out to identify the variation of particle size and mineral content around the Kaluthara area by sieve analysis. For each sample, particle size distribution curves were plotted and mean particle sizes, sorting and skewness were obtained. Heavy mineral content was also determined using gravity separation, magnetic separation; high tension separation and microscopic observation. Resource maps were plotted and mineral resources areas were demarcated.