Sri Lankan Graphite Mining - Kahatagaha & Kolongaha
The name Graphite is a Greek word, stands for “to write” was given by A.G Warner in 1789 because the mineral was used for making pencils. The existence of Graphite in Sri Lanka was known for a few centuries. The first record was in 1675 at Dutch period. In Kandyan era, iron ore had been melted in Graphite crucibles. Before, World War II there had been over 2500 Graphite pits and mines located in the southwest and central highlands of Sri Lanka. But now only two underground mines and few experimental mines are in operation.
The Kahatagaha/Kolongaha Graphite mine is the major Graphite producers in Sri Lankan Graphite industry. 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 the 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.
1675 - Recode of trade graphite reported by Dutch governor Rycloff Van Goens.
1800 - First commercial exploration in Kaluthara District by Dutch
1821 - Sri Lanka started to enjoy the graphite exports
1827 - First graphite export recode
1830 - There had been three graphite pits with a production of 55 pieces.
1836 - Number of mining pits had been increased to 28 with a production of 1175 “Bushels” (1bushel = 25 kg)
1903 - British get into the local mining industry.
1916 - Highest ever export tonnage was recorded at 33411 m. Tonnes. (35% of world consumption)
1972 - State Graphite Corporation incorporated the Kahatagaha Kolongaha mines
1992 - Kahatagaha Kolongaha mines handed over to Kahatagaha Graphite Lanka Ltd.
References: State Mining Corporation Handbook year 1967
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| Morning at Kahatagaha Graphite Lanka Limited - By Jeewantha |
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| Top of the grizzly pit - Kahatagaha Graphite Lanka Limited - By Jeewantha |
1675 - Recode of trade graphite reported by Dutch governor Rycloff Van Goens.
1800 - First commercial exploration in Kaluthara District by Dutch
1821 - Sri Lanka started to enjoy the graphite exports
1827 - First graphite export recode
1830 - There had been three graphite pits with a production of 55 pieces.
1836 - Number of mining pits had been increased to 28 with a production of 1175 “Bushels” (1bushel = 25 kg)
1903 - British get into the local mining industry.
1916 - Highest ever export tonnage was recorded at 33411 m. Tonnes. (35% of world consumption)
1972 - State Graphite Corporation incorporated the Kahatagaha Kolongaha mines
1992 - Kahatagaha Kolongaha mines handed over to Kahatagaha Graphite Lanka Ltd.
References: State Mining Corporation Handbook year 1967