Abstract:
Exploitation and utilization of extremely pure vein Graphite in Sri
Lanka have been known since seventeenth century. Sri Lanka is rich with highpurity
variety of lump graphite.. The graphite mineralization is more noticeable
in the south western part which is underlain by granulitic facies of high-grade
metamorphic rocks belong in the Highland Complex (HC) of the island. Past
mining sites were identified through the literature survey, collection of
historical data and field investigations. Hundreds of abandoned mines and pits
were identified throughout the region. Veins found in this region follow the
direction of foliation pattern, fold axes and the fracture pattern. Foliation varies
from 320° to 340° bearing and fold axes in major anticlines and synclines also
follow the same directions Major fracture patterns are in a direction which
varies from 40° to 70°. General dips of the veins are around 45°. Vein thickness
varies from 10cm to about Ini (lenses). Some of the major veins found in the
area show over 90% carbon content. Three major areas have been identified as
most suitable locations for further investigations to be followed by mining.
They are Aluketiya-Meegahatenna, Delgoda-Kalutara and Watareka-Padukka.
Citation:
Batagalla, Y.M.A.S., Senewimala, E.H., Rajapaksha, P.V., Weerawararnakula, S., Premasiri, H.M.R., & Abesinghe, A.M.K.B. (2013). Distribution of graphite mineralizations in the South-Western part of Sri Lanka and the identification of suitable locations for mining. In P.V.A. Hemalal (Ed.), Proceedings of the 7th National Conference on Earth Resources Management (pp. 26-30). Department of Earth Resources Engineering, University of Moratuwa.