The Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce have agreed to mine the Kurampola and Panirendawa iron ore deposits, in Buttala and Chilaw respectively. A discussion was held under the patronage of Ministers Wimal Weerawansa and Mahinda Amaraweera in this regard. The handing over of these two iron ore deposits to the Ministry of Industries was discussed at this meeting. The Kurampola iron ore deposit covers an area of 26 square kilometers. The Geological Survey and Mines Bureau stated that at least 86 million metric tons of iron could be extracted.

Source: The Nation January 07, 2021 09:00 UTC