The
Sri Lanka Mineral Sands Technical Conference brought together industry leaders,
government representatives, investors and technical specialists to discuss the
future of Sri Lanka's mineral sands sector. The event highlighted opportunities
for sustainable industry growth, responsible investment and the role of modern
mining and dredging technologies in supporting future development.
Industry Leaders Shaping Sri Lanka’s Mineral Sands Future
The Sri Lanka Mineral Sands Technical Conference was held on 17 June 2026 and organised by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Mineral Technologies. The event brought together industry leaders, government representatives, investors and technical specialists to discuss the future of mineral sands mining in Sri Lanka.
Representing in2Dredging Pty Ltd (i2D) were Simon Burgmans, Director and Principal Dredging Engineer, and Shameeka Nanayakkara, Senior Dredging Engineer. The i2D team contributed to discussions on dry versus dredge mining, advantages of hydraulic transport and thorough site investigations. These topics are fundamental to supporting safe, efficient and sustainable mining of mineral sands.
Reflecting on the event Shameeka said: “The conference provided an important platform for discussing the future of Sri Lanka's mineral sands industry. It also highlighted the sector’s potential to support long-term economic growth, job creation and foreign investment. As a Sri Lankan and a dredging engineer, it was particularly rewarding to contribute to discussions focused on an industry that can create significant economic opportunities for the country while maintaining responsible environmental stewardship.”
Figure 1: Opening of the 2026 Mineral Sands Technical Conference held in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s Mineral Sands Potential
Sri Lanka hosts significant deposits of valuable heavy minerals, including ilmenite, rutile and zircon. These resources are used globally across a wide range of industries, from construction and ceramics to pigments and advanced manufacturing.
As global demand for critical minerals continues to grow, Sri Lanka is well positioned to strengthen its role in the international mineral sands market. Realising this potential will require a combination of technical expertise, responsible environmental management and investment confidence.
Key Conference Themes
A recurring theme throughout the conference was the importance of balancing industry growth with environmental and social responsibility. Presenters shared lessons from established mineral sands jurisdictions such as Australia, South Africa and Senegal. Their experiences demonstrated how modern mining and rehabilitation practices can deliver both economic and environmental benefits.
Discussions also explored the importance of attracting responsible investment. Participants highlighted the need for regulatory frameworks that support long-term industry growth while maintaining high environmental standards.
Dredge Mining in Mineral Sands Operations
Dredge mining was one of the key technical topics throughout the conference. It is widely regarded as the preferred mining method for many mineral sand deposits worldwide.
Its advantages include:
- Continuous mining and processing operations
- Efficient hydraulic transport of ore via pipelines
- Progressive rehabilitation of mined areas
- Lower operating costs for suitable deposits
- Improved production efficiency and resource recovery
- Enhanced international market competitiveness through efficient, lower-cost operations
During the conference, Shameeka presented on the application of dredging and hydraulic transport systems in mineral sands operations. She highlighted how modern dredge mining techniques can improve efficiency while supporting sustainable mine development.
Figure 2: Shameeka Nanayakkara presenting on Dredging and Hydraulic Transport at the 2026 Mineral Sands Technical Conference
Site Investigations: Building the Foundation for Project Success
Simon presented on the critical role site investigations play in successful project development. Comprehensive investigations provide valuable insights into material characteristics, production risks and operational constraints, enabling:
- Optimised equipment selection
- More accurate production forecasting
- Effective environmental management planning
- Reduced project risk and greater project certainty
- Improved project economics
Investing in site characterisation early in a project’s development establishes the foundation for safe, efficient and economically viable mining operations.
Figure 3: Simon Burgmans presenting on Site Investigations at the 2026 Mineral Sands Technical Conference
Creating Confidence for Investment
Developing a successful mineral sands industry requires more than quality resources. It also depends on regulatory certainty, technical expertise and investor confidence.
One of the strongest messages emerging from the conference was the importance of maintaining a regulatory environment that encourages responsible investment while upholding strong environmental and social standards. Drawing on lessons from established mining jurisdictions, Sri Lanka has an opportunity to continue developing regulatory frameworks that support sustainable industry growth and align with international best practice.
Shameeka noted: “Sri Lanka has a valuable opportunity to learn from the experiences of established mineral sands jurisdictions around the world.”
Looking Ahead
The conference highlighted the strong interest across industry, government and investment communities in developing Sri Lanka's open mineral sands industry. Continued collaboration between regulators, technical specialists, mining companies and local communities will be essential to the industry’s future. This collaborative approach will help ensure projects are developed responsibly and sustainably.
At i2D, we are proud to support mineral sands projects through our expertise in dredging engineering, hydraulic transport systems, site investigations and mining project development. We look forward to continuing our involvement in initiatives that help create long-term value for Sri Lanka and the broader mineral sands industry.
Looking to the future, Shameeka commented: “It was encouraging to see the level of interest and expertise brought together during the conference. In my view, Sri Lanka has a unique opportunity to develop a modern mineral sands industry that supports economic growth, attracts investment and creates long-term value for future generations. Through collaboration and a shared commitment to responsible development, the country is well positioned to realise this opportunity.”
We would like to thank Stuart Forrester of Capital Metals PLC for inviting i2D to contribute to the conference, connect with industry subject matter experts and share our knowledge. We also extend our thanks to the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Mineral Technologies and conference participants for facilitating valuable discussions. These conversations will help shape the future of Sri Lanka’s mineral sands sector.