Sri Lanka, June 18 -- Sri Lanka's updated National Mineral Policy mandates all mineral resources to undergo local value addition before they can be exported. The policy also prevents the export of unprocessed raw materials to maximise the country's economic and foreign exchange earnings. But mineral exploration in Sri Lanka had been a controversial issue - one that many believe is a shady business, and an industry that poses detrimental impacts on people and environment.
Environmentalists argue that at least 12 sites have already been earmarked for mineral exploration along the country's coastline. Sri Lanka's mineral exploration history dates back to the times of the British. From exploring high-purity vein graphite to mineral sands such...