Sri Lanka’s gem mining authority, the National Gem & Jewellery Authority (NGJA), has warned foreign companies against doing gem mining in the island without a license issued by it.
“Foreign companies that have minerals exploration licenses which are not issued by the National Gem & Jewellery Authority are not supposed to do any gemstone mining,” said K L D Dayasagara, deputy director general of the National Gem & Jewellery Authority.
“Minerals exploration licenses are issued by the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau specifically to explore for minerals other than gemstones,” he explained.
“It is an offence to carry out gem mining without a valid mining license from the NGJA. Any company doing so will be dealt with severely,” Dayasagara told EconomyNext.com on the sidelines of the International Colored Gem Stones Congress that began in Colombo Sunday.
The event, which is attended by top international buyers, manufacturers, marketers and suppliers from all over the world, is organised by the International Colored Gemstone Association,a think-tank which serves the global colored gemstone industry.
Dayasagara said the NGJA has an understanding with the GSMB that no more exploration licenses will be issued in gem mining areas.
“We have a joint consultation process. If necessary we will deploy our supervisors to monitor the area.”
Earlier this year Sri Lanka's new president cancelled 16 mining licences issued by the previous government to entities controlled by a foreign company to explore for blue sapphires and other gems.
The licences were acquired by Gemfields Plc, a firm which produces about a fifth of the world’s rough emeralds and is listed on the London Stock Exchange.
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“Foreign companies that have minerals exploration licenses which are not issued by the National Gem & Jewellery Authority are not supposed to do any gemstone mining,” said K L D Dayasagara, deputy director general of the National Gem & Jewellery Authority.
“Minerals exploration licenses are issued by the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau specifically to explore for minerals other than gemstones,” he explained.
“It is an offence to carry out gem mining without a valid mining license from the NGJA. Any company doing so will be dealt with severely,” Dayasagara told EconomyNext.com on the sidelines of the International Colored Gem Stones Congress that began in Colombo Sunday.
The event, which is attended by top international buyers, manufacturers, marketers and suppliers from all over the world, is organised by the International Colored Gemstone Association,a think-tank which serves the global colored gemstone industry.
Dayasagara said the NGJA has an understanding with the GSMB that no more exploration licenses will be issued in gem mining areas.
“We have a joint consultation process. If necessary we will deploy our supervisors to monitor the area.”
Earlier this year Sri Lanka's new president cancelled 16 mining licences issued by the previous government to entities controlled by a foreign company to explore for blue sapphires and other gems.
The licences were acquired by Gemfields Plc, a firm which produces about a fifth of the world’s rough emeralds and is listed on the London Stock Exchange.
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