Kahatagaha Graphite Lanka Limited - Overview

Sri Lanka, blessed with Nature’s bounty, has an array of mineral resources that today’s technology uses in many industries. Graphite as an export item is older than tea. The first export recorded was way back in 1827. The island remains the principal supplier of the best quality natural lump graphite to the world, because of the excellent physical properties and very high carbon content, which continue to attract international buyers. 

Kahatagaha Graphite Lanka Limited - Mine, Office - Photograph by Jeewantha

In 1972, the newly established State Graphite Corporation incorporated the Kahatagaha and Kolongaha mines. This organization (renamed the State Mining and Mineral Development Corporation) had all mines in the country under its purview. In 1992, Kahatagaha and Kolongaha mines were handed over to Kahatagaha Graphite Lanka Limited. 

These mines are now operated independently. Kahatagaha Graphite Lanka Limited is a Government Owned Business Undertaking managed by a Competent Authority appointed by the Government of Sri Lanka. 

The Kahatagaha/Kolongaha mine is situated in the North Western Province of Sri Lanka, at Maduragoda-Dodamgaslanda in the Kurunegala District, approximately 90 km from the capital, Colombo. It is 2000 feet (610m) deep – which makes it the deepest mine in Sri Lanka – and accessed by two shafts: The one at Kahatagaha is 1132 feet (345m) while the correspondent at Kolongaha goes to 330 ft (101m). The ‘below shaft bottom’ access is by a series of winches up to 2000 feet (610m). Graphite, which is in fractured rocks as veins, are in the East-West direction with southerly dip (dip angle 60° - 70°).
Reference: Sri Lanka Graphite Corporation Handbook, Year 1967
Photo copyrights: Jeewantha, U-Studio, Nugegoda
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