Sri Lanka Granite and Mineral Sands
| Granite |
In Sri Lanka as in most other
countries, the value of stone has been recognised and there is evidence of
stone work which dates back to centuries ago. Dimension stone and the
magnificent carving on stone are to be seen today in the remaining ancient
ruined cities of the island.
Granite, the durable and elegant material, is not easy to come by as it
comes deep within the earth. Its character reflects the creative forces of
nature - the patterns of each block of granite tell a story of gigantic
pressures, the searing heat of the earth's core, and its violent birth in
the volcanic eruptions of bygone millennia. Granite brings grace to the
gardens, homes, palaces and temples of Sri Lanka's ancient royalty and add
to them a timeless and lasting beauty that has survived for centuries.
Sri Lanka has four major types of granite deposits (granite proper,
gneissose granite, regmatite and graphic granite) in substantial amounts,
suitable for processing into cut and polished stones. The colour, grain
structure, hardness and strength of Sri Lankan granite is suitable for the
international market.
 |
Dimension Stones |
|
|
Polished Granite Slabs and Tiles |
|
|
Rough Granite Block |
|
|
Tomb Stones |
|
|
Wall Cladding |
|
|
Monuments |
|
|
Rock Ornaments |
Major Markets
Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Italy, UK, Thailand and Belgium.
Quality
The highest levels of quality are maintained at all times and at every stage
of manufacture, in order to ensure a consistently excellent product. This is
done at two levels. Firstly, the function of the machines are automated to a
great extent. Built-in maintainance systems and safeguards function
constantly. Secondly, every stage is inspected visually with the aid of
special calibration instruments.
Ample resources of fresh rock are available and there is a fair selection of a variety of rock types. The rocks are accessible and in some places occur in boulder form. The quantities produced can definitely be enhanced and expanded in the future.
| Mineral Sands |
Rutile, zircon, ilmanite.
Major Markets
Japan
| Composition |
| RUTILE |
TiO2 95% MINIMUM MOISTURE 0.50% MAXIMUM |
| ZIRCON |
TiO2 11.25% SiO2 38.01% ZrO2 26.55 |
| ILMANITE |
TiO2 53% MINIMUM MOISTURE 2% MAXIMUM |
Supply Position
The resources based at Pulmoddai is replenished annually (15%) with the
advent of the north-west monsoon season. Utilising around 150,000 tons per
annum for an upgrading plant, the reserve can last for over 25 years. Four
million tons of heavy mineral sands (grades of over 60% heavy mineral) are
available in pulmoddai. This deposit rates among the best known in the
world, especially due to its heavy mineral contents of between 60% to 70%.