A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed yesterday (21) at the Ministry of Environment to set up a factory for value added products using the Balangoda Kalthota Calcite deposit, which is considered to be the best pure calcite deposit in the world.
“The MoU was signed by Minister of Environment Mahinda Amaraweera on behalf of his ministry and the Postgraduate Institute of Science, University of Peradeniya and GSMB Technical Services, a state-owned company,” the Environment Ministry Media Unit said.
Prof. Upul Bandara Dissanayake, Vice Chancellor of University of Peradeniya. The Director of the Postgraduate Institute of Science, Prof. H.S. M.G.Pitawala, Senior Lecturer Prabath Manthilaka, GSMB Technical Services CEO Thusitha Aluthpatabendige and GSMB Chairman Anura Walpola signed the MoU.
Minister Amaraweera said the excavated parts of the Balangoda Kalthota Calcite has about 2,000 metric tons of calcite and the stock would first be used to work on value added products.
“Millions of rupees in foreign exchange is spent annually to import materials made from calcite into the country. Our goal is to build a manufacturing plant as soon as possible using this deposit, which is one of the best calcite deposits in the world”. The main substance produced from calcite is calcium carbonate. Calcium carbonate is used in the manufacture of toothpaste, medicinal pills, paints as well as fertilizers and magnesium fertilizers. Therefore, I see it as a great opportunity to enter into an agreement today to start production in such a way as to increase the national income of the country through this calcite deposit which has not been utilised so far. Vice Chancellor of the University of Peradeniya Prof. Upul Bandara Dissanayake said Calcium carbonate is the main constituent of calcite. The uniqueness of the Kaltota calcite deposit is that it contains very pure calcite. This will enable us to save a large amount of foreign exchange in the country. The University of Peradeniya will extend its fullest support to make the most of national resources through this programme.
Prof. H.S.M.G. Pitawala said he together with other scholars made an in depth study regarding this repository. Many countries in the world have calcite deposits. But, such a deposit of pure calcite has not been found anywhere else.
“But this decision taken by the Minister of Environment is very important. The reason is that this is an opportunity to make proper use of our country’s natural resources,” he said.
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