Sand mining thrives in building boom

A boom in the construction industry has increased the demand for sand resulting in a thriving illicit business -- sand mining -- along major river banks.

Although regulations stipulate mining can only be done with necessary approval from the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau, many big time miners carry on regardless.

With the country developing at a rapid pace the demand for sand was on the rise, resulting in many people taking to this lucrative illicit trade, said Prof. Sarath Weerwarnakula who teaches Earth Resources and Management at the University of Moratuwa.

Geological Survey and Mines Bureau Registrar Hema Liyanarachi said obtaining a mining licence was a step-by-step process. The Bureau decides on the mining location and calls for bids before the contract was awarded to the suitable bidder, she said, adding that the Bureau’s field officers visited the location to monitor the mining activities.

“The contractor obtains his licence after getting approval from the Provincial Council. The contractor has to renew his licence every month by paying a fee. A licence can also be revoked and a fine of Rs. 50,000 can be imposed with a jail sentence if the contractor was found flouting regulations,” she said.

Those who obtain licences for small-scale mining are allowed to sell only three tipper-loads a day and this limitation results in miners violating the law and resorting to malpractice.

Although Mrs. Liyanarachchi insisted that the Mines Bureau had not issued licences to mine along the Maha Oya because of a court order, the Sunday Times witnessed numerous mining activities on a recent visit to one of the tributary rivers of Maha Oya along the Chilaw road.

Meanwhile, Prof. Weerwarnakula warned if sustainable exploitation of sand was not maintained along the river banks the resource would soon get depleted. He added construction companies should look to alternatives such as crushed sand and sea sand that are presently used on a small scale.