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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.
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Dimension Stones |
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Polished Granite Slabs and Tiles |
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Rough Granite Block |
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Tomb Stones |
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Wall Cladding |
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Monuments |
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Rock Ornaments |
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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.
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Supply
Position
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.
Rutile, zircon, ilmanite.
Major Markets
Japan
| 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 |
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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%.
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