The Kotikambokka Vein Quartz deposit in Monaragala District has been identified as a potentially major economic resource, following a visit by Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti yesterday (February 1).
Preliminary studies indicate that the 700-meter deposit contains an estimated 3.1 billion metric tons of quartz, making it one of the largest known reserves in the country. The Minister said the government is exploring ways to responsibly develop the site to contribute to national economic growth.
During the visit, Minister Handunnetti met with officials from the Department of Forest Conservation, the Bureau of Geology and Mines, and the National Gem and Jewellery Authority to discuss plans for sustainable extraction and potential industrial applications of the quartz.
The Ministry emphasized that any future mining activities will be carefully coordinated to balance economic benefits with environmental protection, aiming to maximize the contribution of the resource to Sri Lanka’s industrial and gemstone sectors.
