Ceylon Chamber of Commerce to host mineral sands conf as industry stakeholders, policymakers, and international experts prepare to discuss the future development of Sri Lanka’s mineral sands sector at a major conference in Colombo next month.
Ceylon Chamber of Commerce to host mineral sands conf in Colombo
The one-day technical conference is scheduled to take place on 17 June at the Galle Face Hotel from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event is being organised by the The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Mineral Technologies Australia
and is expected to bring together local and international experts involved in mining, geology, environmental management, and industrial development.
According to organisers, the conference will focus on the long-term development prospects of the Sri Lanka mineral sands industry, examining opportunities and challenges across the value chain. Discussions are expected to cover exploration, extraction, mineral processing, market trends, environmental sustainability, rehabilitation practices, project economics, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards.
The event comes at a time when Sri Lanka is seeking to maximise the economic value of its mineral resources while balancing environmental concerns and sustainable development objectives. Mineral sands, which include valuable heavy minerals such as ilmenite, rutile, zircon, and garnet, are considered an important export-oriented resource with potential for industrial expansion and foreign exchange earnings.
Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunneththi is expected to officially open the conference. The programme will also feature presentations by senior officials and industry specialists, including Geological Survey and Mines Bureau Senior Geologist C.N.B. Wijerathna and D.M. Kumara Rathna Bandara, Chairperson of Lanka Mineral Sands Ltd
.
Industry observers note that Sri Lanka’s mineral sands deposits have long attracted attention due to their commercial potential and strategic importance in global industrial supply chains. However, the sector has also faced challenges related to regulatory processes, environmental management, investment frameworks, and infrastructure development.
The upcoming mineral sands conference Sri Lanka is expected to provide a platform for industry participants to exchange technical expertise and explore international best practices that could support the sector’s growth. Organisers stated that the discussions would also examine evolving global market dynamics and technological advancements influencing mineral processing and resource management.
The conference programme will conclude with a panel discussion focused on measures required to build a more competitive and sustainable mineral sands industry in Sri Lanka. The panel is expected to bring together specialists from several countries with experience in mining operations, dredging, environmental services, and mineral technologies.
Among the international speakers participating in the panel discussion are Philip Murphy of PWM Consulting, Simon Burgmans of in2Dredging, Matthew Allen, Ted Avis, and Gavin Diener.
Additional experts from India, Australia, and Sri Lanka are also expected to contribute to discussions during the event. The participation of both local and foreign specialists reflects increasing international interest in Sri Lanka’s mineral resources and the broader potential of the mining and industrial sectors.
Business analysts say the conference could help strengthen dialogue between government authorities, investors, technical experts, and environmental stakeholders at a critical stage for the industry. As Sri Lanka continues efforts to attract investment and diversify export earnings, the development of mineral-based industries is increasingly being viewed as a potential contributor to long-term economic growth.
The latest initiative by the chamber further highlights the growing attention being placed on industrial development, sustainable mining practices, and global collaboration within the country’s resource sector. Organisers expect the conference to facilitate knowledge-sharing and policy discussions that could shape the future direction of the mineral sands industry in Sri Lanka.