Minister instructs to extend validity period of licences issued for mining and trade

Delays in the issuance of licenses due to the prevailing Covid-19 epidemic may make it difficult to obtain the required raw materials for development projects and the mineral based manufacturing industry.

Taking this into consideration, the Minister of Environment Mahinda Amaraweera has instructed the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau to extend the licenses currently issued for mining and trade.

Accordingly, the application for renewal and has been extende from 01.08.2021 to 09.2021. The Geological Survey and Mines Bureau has decided to extend the validity period of all excavation and trade licenses which are due to be extend till 2021.09.30.

Licensees must also ensure that the terms and conditions of those licenses do not exceed the approved cube sizes for mining and trading. Further details can be obtained from the nearest GSMB regional office.