Abstract:
Investigation carried out in the area around Rathnapura shows
occurrence of economically valuable phlogopite mica mineralization in the area. Such
deposits are concentrated in Hindurangala, Palkumbura, Pathagammana,
Yakodiyadeniya, Thambandeniya and Kosgala. Although historical data show
systematic underground mining has been carried out in some places, present mining
activities are restricted to very small scale pits dug haphazardly. Vein thickness of the
phlogopite mica varies from 2 cm - 1 m and extends in N 35°- 50° W direction. They
generally follow the foliation pattern of the metamorphic country rocks and three major
mineralization zones extending over 10 km have been found in the area. In some
locations veins follow joint directions of the area. Variation in physical properties such as
colour, expansion and permanent colour changes due to heat are found in the same
mineralized zone in different locations.
Citation:
Sashikala, J.R.M., Nishshanka, N.A.C., Karunarathna, A.W.K.N., Anuradha, H.W.L., Weerawarnakula, S., & Abeysinghe, A.M.K.B. (2011). Identifying phlogopite mica mineralization in the area around Rathnapura and suggesting suitable mining methods for sustainable exploitation. In N. P. Ratnayake & A.M.K.B. Abeysinghe (Eds.), Proceedings of the 6th National Conference on Minerals and Innovative Thinking (pp. 5-8). Department of Earth Resources Engineering, University of Moratuwa