Geological Survey and Mines Bureau to test new sand mine

Chairman of Sri Lanka Geological Survey and Mines Bureau Dr. N.P Wijayananda says that the bureau is inspecting the sand of a newly found sand mine for its suitability for construction industry before it is issued to the market. The sand deposit has been found in a land belonged to the Irrigation Department in Galoya area in the Polonnaruwa district.

Sand will be mined following tests and it is expected the deposit will help control price of sand in the construction industry market.

The price of sand has gone drastically up in Sri Lanka due to shortage of supply.

Sri Lanka’s construction industry has been affected by the high price of sand, an essential building material.

In the recent times sand deposits were found from Manampitiya, Wilgamuwa, Hasalaka and Trincomalee.

The increase of water level of Mahaweli River and other major waterways have caused the sand mining to a standstill, according to the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau sources. (www.colombopage.com)