State-of-the-art and perspectives in the heavy mineral industry of Sri Lanka

Heavy minerals have become an essential commodity in modern-day technology. The objective of this study is to examine the current status heavy mineral industry Sri Lanka. present also examines economic viability potential placer deposits, based on geochemical data. Field investigations suggested occurrence as beach-placers, and inland/raised beach deposits along coastline Geochemical results showed enrichment TiO2, Fe2O3, Al2O3, trace elements, depletion other major oxides such Na2O, K2O, MnO, MgO, CaO, P2O5. Consequently, it suggests abundance ilmenite, leucoxene, rutile, sillimanite, garnet, rare earth element (REE)-bearing deposits. In contrast, illustrates exported quantity (in weight ratio 35:3:1) zircon during last decade. Ilmenite dominant Lanka, thus, its production price volatilisations are understand predict future behaviour industry. Statistical observations suggest that global unit variations ilmenite increased gradually from 1950 2015. Besides, forecasted annual changes indicate healthy compound growth rates 1.27% 1.43%, respectively. However, Lanka has less contribution (< 1%) production. value addition must be highly encouraged with at least immediate stage (e.g. synthetic rutile). highlights possible stages available resources (low-, intermediate-, or high-level addition), discusses action plans improve quality recommendations, imposing sustainable regulations policies would uplift For example, local terminating raw export recommended.